Backyard Fires: Santa Clara vs Sunnyvale
How do backyard fires rules compare between Santa Clara, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
Santa Clara and Sunnyvale have similar restriction levels.
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 →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
Small recreational fires in approved fire pits or chimineas are allowed in Sunnyvale backyards using clean fuel. Open ground fires and debris burning are prohibited under the Fire Code and BAAQMD rules.
View full Sunnyvale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Santa Clara | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Appliance required | - | Fire pit or chiminea |
| Clearance | - | 10 feet from combustibles |
| Allowed fuel | - | Clean wood, propane, gas |
| Banned fuel | - | Yard waste, trash, treated wood |
| Spare the Air days | - | Wood burning prohibited |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Sunnyvale FAQ
Can I use a chiminea on my apartment balcony?
No, most multi-family buildings prohibit open-flame appliances on balconies under California Fire Code Section 308.1.4.
How do I know if today is a Spare the Air day?
Sign up for alerts at sparetheair.org or check the BAAQMD website each evening during winter months.
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