Backyard Fires: San Jose vs Santa Clara
How do backyard fires rules compare between San Jose, CA and Santa Clara, CA?
Santa Clara has fewer restrictions than San Jose.
San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
San Jose and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District restrict backyard fires. Recreational wood fires in portable pits are allowed on non-Spare the Air days, but open burning of yard debris is prohibited year-round in the city. Natural gas and propane fire features are exempt from Spare the Air restrictions and recommended.
View full San Jose rules →Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara County
Small backyard recreational fires are allowed in Santa Clara in a manufactured container, kept under 3 feet and 10 feet from structures. Larger bonfires are not permitted in residential yards.
View full Santa Clara rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Jose | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Max fuel area | - | 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height |
| Setback | - | 10 ft from structures |
| Permit needed | - | Bonfires over 3 ft |
| Fuel type | - | Clean wood or charcoal only |
| Attendance | - | Adult present until out |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Jose FAQ
Santa Clara FAQ
Can I have a fire in a dug pit?
Santa Clara follows the California Fire Code recreational fire definition. Use a manufactured pit or fireplace rather than digging into soil, and maintain all required clearances.
Do I need to tell the fire department?
No, not for a typical small recreational fire that meets size and clearance rules. Bonfires larger than that require a permit application in advance.
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