Outdoor Burning: Petaluma vs Rohnert Park
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Petaluma, CA and Rohnert Park, CA?
Petaluma and Rohnert Park have similar restriction levels.
Petaluma, CA
Sonoma County
Open burning in unincorporated Sonoma County requires a burn permit issued pursuant to Sonoma County Code Section 13-71 (incorporated by reference into the County's adopted California Fire Code as Section 307.2). Burning is only allowed on Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) or Northern Sonoma County APCD 'permissive burn days,' typically November through April 30, and may not begin before 10:00 a.m.
View full Petaluma rules →Rohnert Park, CA
Sonoma County
Open burning in unincorporated Sonoma County requires a burn permit issued pursuant to Sonoma County Code Section 13-71 (incorporated by reference into the County's adopted California Fire Code as Section 307.2). Burning is only allowed on Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) or Northern Sonoma County APCD 'permissive burn days,' typically November through April 30, and may not begin before 10:00 a.m.
View full Rohnert Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Petaluma | Rohnert Park |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | Required (Sonoma County Code Section 13-71) | Required (Sonoma County Code Section 13-71) |
| Code citation | Fire Code Section 307.2 | Fire Code Section 307.2 |
| Burn season | Nov - April 30 (typical) | Nov - April 30 (typical) |
| Start time | No earlier than 10:00 a.m. | No earlier than 10:00 a.m. |
| Material allowed | Natural vegetation only | Natural vegetation only |
| Pile size | Max 4 ft diameter x 4 ft high | Max 4 ft diameter x 4 ft high |
| Clearance | 10 ft to bare soil | 10 ft to bare soil |
| Daily call-in | REDCOM (707) 565-1700 | REDCOM (707) 565-1700 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Petaluma FAQ
Can I burn yard waste or household trash in my backyard?
Only dry natural vegetation (leaves, pine needles, tree trimmings) is allowed, and only with a valid burn permit on a declared permissive burn day. Burning of trash, painted wood, or other debris is prohibited.
How do I know if today is a burn day?
Check the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) or Northern Sonoma County Air Pollution Control District (NSCAPCD) burn-day status, and call Fire Dispatch (REDCOM) at (707) 565-1700 to notify them before igniting.
What if my fire escapes onto a neighbor's property?
Under Fire Code Section 107.6 and California H&S Code Sections 13009/13009.1, the fire agency can recover all suppression costs from you as a contractual debt. You may also face civil and criminal liability under state law.
Rohnert Park FAQ
Can I burn yard waste or household trash in my backyard?
Only dry natural vegetation (leaves, pine needles, tree trimmings) is allowed, and only with a valid burn permit on a declared permissive burn day. Burning of trash, painted wood, or other debris is prohibited.
How do I know if today is a burn day?
Check the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) or Northern Sonoma County Air Pollution Control District (NSCAPCD) burn-day status, and call Fire Dispatch (REDCOM) at (707) 565-1700 to notify them before igniting.
What if my fire escapes onto a neighbor's property?
Under Fire Code Section 107.6 and California H&S Code Sections 13009/13009.1, the fire agency can recover all suppression costs from you as a contractual debt. You may also face civil and criminal liability under state law.
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