Backyard Fires: Petaluma vs Sonoma
How do backyard fires rules compare between Petaluma, CA and Sonoma, CA?
Petaluma and Sonoma have similar restriction levels.
Petaluma, CA
Sonoma County
Backyard burning of vegetation in unincorporated Sonoma County is allowed only with a valid Permit Sonoma burn permit on a permissive burn day, with piles capped at 4 feet, a 10-foot bare-soil clearance, an adult in attendance, and no burning on windy days. Only dry natural vegetation may be burned - trash and debris are prohibited - and burning is suspended during high fire danger.
View full Petaluma rules →Sonoma, CA
Sonoma County
Backyard burning of vegetation in unincorporated Sonoma County is allowed only with a valid Permit Sonoma burn permit on a permissive burn day, with piles capped at 4 feet, a 10-foot bare-soil clearance, an adult in attendance, and no burning on windy days. Only dry natural vegetation may be burned - trash and debris are prohibited - and burning is suspended during high fire danger.
View full Sonoma rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Petaluma | Sonoma |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | Required for vegetation burning | Required for vegetation burning |
| Burn day | Must be a permissive burn day | Must be a permissive burn day |
| Max pile | 4 ft diameter by 4 ft tall | 4 ft diameter by 4 ft tall |
| Clearance | 10 ft to bare soil | 10 ft to bare soil |
| Attendant | Adult at all times | Adult at all times |
| Prohibited | Trash, painted wood, debris; windy days | Trash, painted wood, debris; windy days |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Petaluma FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire whenever I want in unincorporated Sonoma County?
No. Burning vegetation requires a valid Permit Sonoma burn permit and a permissive burn day, and burning is suspended during high fire danger. Piles are capped at 4 feet, you need a 10-foot bare-soil clearance, an adult must attend, and you cannot burn on windy days.
What can I legally burn in my backyard?
Only dry, natural vegetative material such as leaves, pine needles, and tree trimmings. Burning trash, painted wood, or other debris is not allowed under Permit Sonoma's open-burning rules.
Sonoma FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire whenever I want in unincorporated Sonoma County?
No. Burning vegetation requires a valid Permit Sonoma burn permit and a permissive burn day, and burning is suspended during high fire danger. Piles are capped at 4 feet, you need a 10-foot bare-soil clearance, an adult must attend, and you cannot burn on windy days.
What can I legally burn in my backyard?
Only dry, natural vegetative material such as leaves, pine needles, and tree trimmings. Burning trash, painted wood, or other debris is not allowed under Permit Sonoma's open-burning rules.
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