Fire Pit Rules: Petaluma vs Sonoma
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Petaluma, CA and Sonoma, CA?
Sonoma 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 →Sonoma, CA
Sonoma County
Recreational fires and fire pits are allowed inside the City of Sonoma under the California Fire Code as adopted by the Sonoma Valley Fire District, but only natural gas/propane fire pits and small wood recreational fires meeting setback and supervision rules are permitted; vegetation pile burning inside city limits is prohibited.
View full Sonoma rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Petaluma | Sonoma |
|---|---|---|
| Code | Petaluma Code §17.20.050 (adopting CFC §307) | - |
| Recreational Fire Size | ≤3 ft diameter | - |
| Clearance | 25 ft from structures | - |
| Fire code adopted | - | 2022 California Fire Code (CCR Title 24, Part 9) |
| Open recreational fire size | - | Max 3 ft diameter x 2 ft height (CFC 307.4.2) |
| Open fire setback | - | 25 ft from structures/combustibles |
| Portable fire pit setback | - | 15 ft from structures (CFC 307.4.3) |
| Yard-waste burning in city | - | Prohibited (LRA – no open vegetation burning) |
| Attendant + water source | - | Required at all times |
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.
Sonoma FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire pit in the City of Sonoma?
Yes. Propane and natural-gas fire pits, as well as commercially manufactured wood-burning outdoor fireplaces, are allowed under CFC 307.4.3 if used per the manufacturer's instructions and kept at least 15 feet from structures. Wood recreational fires must be under 3 ft diameter / 2 ft height and 25 ft from any structure.
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit?
No City of Sonoma permit is needed for a code-compliant recreational fire or commercial fire pit. Open burning of vegetation piles is not permitted inside city limits — burn permits are issued only for unincorporated/SRA properties through CAL FIRE and BAAQMD.
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