Outdoor Burning: San Jose vs Sunnyvale
How do outdoor burning rules compare between San Jose, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
San Jose and Sunnyvale have similar restriction levels.
San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
Outdoor burning in Santa Clara County is tightly restricted under BAAQMD Regulation 5 and County Fire rules. Most residential yard-waste burning is prohibited; permits needed for ag and hazard fires.
View full San Jose rules →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
Open burning of yard waste, trash, and construction debris is prohibited in Sunnyvale. BAAQMD Regulation 5 bans agricultural and residential burning across the Bay Area including Santa Clara County.
View full Sunnyvale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Jose | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Burning | Generally prohibited | - |
| Ag Burn Permit | BAAQMD plus County Fire required | - |
| Spare the Air | All burning banned including indoor | - |
| BAAQMD Penalty | From around 500 dollars per violation | - |
| Hazard Reduction | Coordinate with CAL FIRE | - |
| Yard waste burning | - | Prohibited |
| Trash burning | - | Prohibited |
| Disposal option | - | Organics cart or SMaRT Station |
| Air district rule | - | BAAQMD Regulation 5 |
| Exceptions | - | Permitted recreational or training only |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Jose FAQ
Can I burn leaves in my backyard?
No. Residential yard-waste burning is prohibited across the Bay Area. Use green-waste collection or composting.
Can I clear brush by burning on my rural property?
Only with permits from CAL FIRE, County Fire, and BAAQMD on a permissive burn day.
Sunnyvale FAQ
Can I burn leaves in the fall in Sunnyvale?
No, all yard waste burning is banned. Place leaves and branches in your organics cart for weekly collection.
Are recreational cooking fires allowed?
Yes, approved grills and BBQ appliances are permitted, but you cannot burn yard debris under the guise of cooking.
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