Backyard Fires: Rohnert Park vs Santa Rosa
How do backyard fires rules compare between Rohnert Park, CA and Santa Rosa, CA?
Rohnert Park and Santa Rosa have similar restriction levels.
Rohnert Park, CA
Sonoma County
Recreational and waste backyard fires in unincorporated Sonoma County are tightly restricted. Open burning requires a permit under Sonoma County Code Section 13-71 (Fire Code Section 307.2), can only occur on declared permissive burn days, and only natural vegetation may be burned. Recreational fires (small wood fires) are allowed under CFC Section 307.4.2 only when at least 25 ft from combustibles. Burn bans, red-flag warnings, and suspension orders under Section 13-71(d) can stop all burning instantly.
View full Rohnert Park rules →Santa Rosa, CA
Sonoma County
Burning trash, leaves, or debris in a backyard burn barrel, pit, or residential fireplace is prohibited in Santa Rosa. Recreational fires must follow the California Fire Code Chapter 3 (adopted at City Code Ch. 18-44), and short-term-rental properties are limited to gas-fueled fire features only.
View full Santa Rosa rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Rohnert Park | Santa Rosa |
|---|---|---|
| Open burn permit | Required (County Code Section 13-71) | - |
| Bonfire/rubbish-fire permit | Required (Section 105.5.54(5)) | - |
| Recreational fire setback | 25 ft (CFC 307.4.2) | - |
| Recreational fire size | Max 3 ft diameter x 2 ft high | - |
| Allowed material | Natural vegetation only | - |
| Attendance | Adult required on site | - |
| Suspension authority | Section 13-71(d) | - |
| Backyard trash/debris burn | - | Prohibited — including burn barrels and fireplaces |
| Recreational fire size (CFC 307) | - | ≤ 3 ft diameter, ≤ 2 ft tall |
| Required clearance | - | 25 ft from structures/combustibles |
| Supervision | - | Attendant required; extinguisher on hand |
| Short-term rentals | - | Gas-fueled appliances only; 10 ft from vegetation |
| Red-flag/PSPS | - | Fire Chief may suspend all outdoor fires |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Rohnert Park FAQ
Is a small backyard wood fire ever allowed?
Yes, under CFC Section 307.4.2 a recreational fire of up to 3 ft diameter and 2 ft high, located at least 25 ft from any combustible structure or material, is allowed in a permanent or portable outdoor fireplace, subject to burn-day status and any active suspension. Always check current red-flag and burn-ban status before lighting.
Can the County stop all burning during dry conditions?
Yes. Under Section 13-71(d) of the Sonoma County Code, Permit Sonoma's Fire Prevention Division can suspend all open burning countywide when high fire-hazard conditions exist. Permits are then invalid until the suspension is lifted.
Who pays if a backyard fire spreads?
Under Fire Code Section 107.6 and California H&S Code Sections 13009 and 13009.1, the fire agency can bill suppression and EMS costs directly to the responsible party as a contractual debt. Government Code Section 53150 et seq. adds liability for negligent or unlawful emergency responses.
Santa Rosa FAQ
Can I have a small recreational fire in my backyard?
Yes, but only under California Fire Code § 307 (adopted at City Code Ch. 18-44): pile ≤ 3 ft diameter and ≤ 2 ft tall, 25 ft from any structure, attended at all times, with a water source or extinguisher ready. The Fire Department can restrict or prohibit recreational fires during elevated fire weather.
Can I burn leaves or branches in my backyard?
No. Burning yard debris is unlawful except under a permitted pile burn (5+ acre WUI parcels only), and pile burn permits are suspended during declared wildfire season.
Can my short-term rental have a fire pit?
Non-hosted short-term rentals may only use gas-fueled fire pits, fireplaces, barbecues, or heaters fed by a single 5-gallon LPG cylinder or natural gas. Wood- or charcoal-fueled fires are not allowed at non-hosted STRs, and gas units must be at least 10 feet from combustible vegetation and overhanging tree limbs.
What about a charcoal or propane BBQ?
Standard barbecues and grills are allowed for cooking, but the Santa Rosa Fire Department recommends — and on short-term rental properties requires — gas units, with a 10-foot setback from combustible vegetation and overhangs and an attendant present at all times.
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