Fire Pit Rules: Rohnert Park vs Sonoma
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Rohnert Park, CA and Sonoma, CA?
Rohnert Park and Sonoma have similar restriction levels.
Rohnert Park, CA
Sonoma County
Sonoma County has adopted the California Fire Code (Ord. 2023-01) without amending the state's default recreational-fire and portable-outdoor-fireplace setbacks. Under CFC Section 307.4.2, recreational fires must be at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material; portable outdoor fireplaces must be at least 15 feet away. A bonfire-or-rubbish-fire operational permit is required under Section 105.5.54(5).
View full Rohnert Park 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 | Rohnert Park | Sonoma |
|---|---|---|
| Recreational fire setback | 25 ft from combustibles (CFC 307.4.2) | - |
| Portable fireplace setback | 15 ft (CFC 307.4.3) | - |
| Recreational fire size limit | 3 ft diameter x 2 ft high | - |
| Bonfire operational permit | Required (Ord. 2023-01 Section 105.5.54(5)) | - |
| Burn-day permit (open burning) | Required per County Code Section 13-71 | - |
| 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.
Rohnert Park FAQ
Can I use a backyard fire pit in unincorporated Sonoma County?
Yes, subject to California Fire Code Section 307.4.2: the fuel pile must be no larger than 3 ft diameter x 2 ft high and located at least 25 ft from any structure or combustible material. The fire code official can order it extinguished if it becomes a hazard.
Do I need a permit for a propane patio fire pit?
A portable outdoor fireplace under CFC Section 307.4.3 must be operated per the manufacturer's instructions and kept at least 15 ft from any structure or combustible material. No County burn permit is needed for a clean-burning gas appliance, but burn bans and red-flag warnings can still apply.
What about a backyard bonfire?
An operational permit is required under Ord. 2023-01 Section 105.5.54(5) 'to kindle or authorize the kindling or maintenance of bonfires or rubbish fires.' Open burning of rubbish is also separately prohibited by BAAQMD and NSCAPCD air-district rules.
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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