Outdoor Burning: Petaluma vs Santa Rosa
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Petaluma, CA and Santa Rosa, CA?
Petaluma and Santa Rosa 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 →Santa Rosa, CA
Sonoma County
Open burning of trash, debris, garbage, or hazardous waste is unlawful in Santa Rosa. Vegetative debris pile burning is permitted only for WUI parcels of 5+ acres under a Fire Department permit, and pile burn permits are suspended during the declared wildfire season (annually from approximately June 1 to November 1).
View full Santa Rosa rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Petaluma | Santa Rosa |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | Required (Sonoma County Code Section 13-71) | - |
| Code citation | Fire Code Section 307.2 | - |
| Burn season | Nov - April 30 (typical) | - |
| Start time | No earlier than 10:00 a.m. | - |
| Material allowed | Natural vegetation only | - |
| Pile size | Max 4 ft diameter x 4 ft high | ≤ 4 ft; 50 ft from any dwelling |
| Clearance | 10 ft to bare soil | 10 ft around and above pile |
| Daily call-in | REDCOM (707) 565-1700 | - |
| Open burn (trash/debris) | - | Prohibited year-round |
| Vegetative pile burn | - | Permit required; 5+ acre WUI parcels |
| Burn hours | - | 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; out by sundown |
| Air quality | - | BAAQMD permissive burn day required |
| Wildfire-season suspension | - | No permits issued after June 1, 2026 |
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.
Santa Rosa FAQ
Can I burn yard debris in Santa Rosa?
Only under a Fire Department pile-burn permit, and only if your parcel is 5+ acres in the Wildland-Urban Interface (or approved case-by-case). All other open burning of debris is prohibited.
Can I burn household trash or cardboard?
No. Burning of solid waste, recyclables, household hazardous waste, garbage, and debris is unlawful — including in fireplaces, burn barrels, or outdoor piles.
Why are pile burn permits suspended in summer?
The Santa Rosa Fire Department suspends pile burning when wildfire season is declared (typically June 1 each year). The suspension lifts when conditions allow and BAAQMD declares permissive days, often starting November 1.
What if my fire escapes?
You can be held criminally liable under City Code § 18-44.110.4 and billed for all fire-suppression costs under California Health & Safety Code §§ 13009 and 13009.1.
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