Fire Pit Rules: Santa Rosa vs Sonoma
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Santa Rosa, CA and Sonoma, CA?
Santa Rosa has fewer restrictions than Sonoma.
Santa Rosa, CA
Sonoma County
Santa Rosa allows recreational fire pits with restrictions. Fire pits must be at least 15 feet from structures, use a spark arrestor, and comply with air quality regulations. Usage is prohibited during red flag warnings.
View full Santa Rosa rules →Sonoma, CA
Sonoma County
Unincorporated Sonoma County operates under the County Fire Safety Ordinance (Chapter 13 of the Sonoma County Code) which adopts the California Fire Code with local amendments. Open-flame recreational fires (including backyard fire pits and chimineas) are tightly controlled because much of the unincorporated county lies in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. During declared fire season and on any 'Red Flag' or PSPS day, the Fire Marshal routinely suspends recreational burning. Gas- and propane-fueled patio appliances installed per manufacturer instructions are generally allowed; wood/charcoal fires require a burn permit and 25-foot clearance.
View full Sonoma rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Santa Rosa | Sonoma |
|---|---|---|
| Setback | 15 feet from structures | - |
| Spark Arrestor | Required | - |
| Fuel | Dry seasoned wood or manufactured logs | - |
| Restrictions | No use during red flag warnings | - |
| Primary Code | - | Sonoma County Code Chapter 13 (Fire Safety Ordinance / Ord. 6396) |
| Adopted Standard | - | California Fire Code (current edition) |
| Max Recreational Fire | - | 3 ft diameter x 2 ft height (CFC 307) |
| Setback - Open Fire | - | 25 ft from structures or combustibles |
| Setback - Portable Fire Pit | - | 15 ft from structures |
| Burn Suspensions | - | Imposed by Fire Marshal during fire season / Red Flag |
| Permit Authority | - | Permit Sonoma Fire Prevention Division, (707) 565-1900 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Santa Rosa FAQ
Can I have a fire pit in Santa Rosa?
Yes, with restrictions. Fire pits must be 15 feet from structures, have a spark arrestor, and cannot be used during red flag warnings or burn bans.
What can I burn in my fire pit?
Only dry seasoned wood or manufactured logs. Never burn trash, treated wood, or construction debris.
Sonoma FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire pit in unincorporated Sonoma County?
Yes, but only outside declared burn-suspension periods and only if the pit meets California Fire Code Section 307 limits (3 ft x 2 ft fuel area, 25 ft from structures, 15 ft for a manufactured pit). During fire season the Fire Marshal frequently suspends all open burning, so check Permit Sonoma's burn-day status before lighting.
Are propane fire pits exempt from Sonoma County burn bans?
Generally yes. Propane and natural-gas patio heaters, fire tables, and fire pits installed per the manufacturer's listing are not 'open burning' under Chapter 13 and remain allowed during most burn suspensions because they do not throw embers. Always confirm with your local fire district during a Red Flag warning.
Do I need a permit for a recreational fire in Sonoma County?
A recreational fire under 3 ft x 2 ft does not require a separate burn permit, but during CAL FIRE's declared fire season any open flame outside an enclosed appliance falls under burn-permit rules. Visit burnpermit.fire.ca.gov for the free CAL FIRE permit and check Permit Sonoma daily-burn-status before igniting.
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