Fire Pit Rules: Petaluma vs Santa Rosa
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Petaluma, CA and Santa Rosa, CA?
Santa Rosa has fewer restrictions than Petaluma.
Petaluma, CA
Sonoma County
Petaluma adopts the California Fire Code via PMC §17.20.050 with local amendments. Open burning is generally prohibited; small recreational fires require compliance with CFC §307 setbacks and local Sonoma County Air District rules.
View full Petaluma rules →Santa Rosa, CA
Sonoma County
Gas-fueled (LPG or natural gas) fire pits are allowed in Santa Rosa with a 10-foot setback from combustible vegetation and overhanging tree limbs. Wood-fueled fire pits are treated as recreational fires under California Fire Code § 307 (adopted at City Code Ch. 18-44): max 3-foot diameter, 25-foot clearance, attendant required.
View full Santa Rosa rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Petaluma | Santa Rosa |
|---|---|---|
| Code | Petaluma Code §17.20.050 (adopting CFC §307) | - |
| Recreational Fire Size | ≤3 ft diameter | - |
| Clearance | 25 ft from structures | - |
| Gas fire pit | - | Allowed; 10 ft from vegetation/overhang |
| Wood fire pit (residential) | - | ≤ 3 ft diameter; 25 ft from structures |
| Wood fire pit (non-hosted STR) | - | Prohibited — gas-fueled only |
| LPG cylinder limit | - | Single 5-gallon cylinder per STR appliance |
| Supervision | - | Attendant + extinguisher required (CFC 307) |
| Spare the Air days | - | No visible wood smoke (BAAQMD) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Petaluma FAQ
Are propane fire pits OK?
Yes — gas-fueled appliances with shutoff valves are treated differently and allowed closer to structures.
Santa Rosa FAQ
Can I have a propane or natural-gas fire pit on my patio?
Yes. Gas-fueled fire pits (LPG cylinder or natural gas) are allowed, but they must be at least 10 feet from combustible vegetation and overhanging tree limbs (per Santa Rosa STR rules; the Fire Department applies similar safe-setback guidance citywide).
Can I have a wood-burning fire pit?
At owner-occupied homes, yes — subject to California Fire Code § 307 (max 3 ft diameter and 2 ft tall, 25 ft from any structure or combustible material, attended at all times, with extinguishment ready). At non-hosted short-term rentals, wood-burning fire pits are not allowed — only gas-fueled appliances.
Are fire pits banned during fire season?
The Fire Department can restrict or prohibit recreational fires during Red Flag Warnings, declared wildfire season, or elevated fire weather. Gas-fueled fire pits are sometimes allowed when wood fires are banned, but always confirm with the Santa Rosa Fire Department.
What about Spare the Air days?
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District declares 'Spare the Air' no-burn days when air quality is poor. Burning wood — including in a backyard wood fire pit — is prohibited on those days under BAAQMD Rule 6-3.
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