Outdoor Burning: Simi Valley vs Ventura
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Simi Valley, CA and Ventura, CA?
Simi Valley and Ventura have similar restriction levels.
Simi Valley, CA
Ventura County
Open burning of yard waste, trash, and debris is prohibited in Simi Valley. The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District and Ventura County Fire Protection District enforce strict no-burn policies with limited agricultural exceptions.
View full Simi Valley rules →Ventura, CA
Ventura County
Open outdoor burning of trash, leaves, brush, or construction debris is prohibited in Ventura. The California Fire Code §307 (adopted via SBMC Division 10) requires a permit from the fire code official for any open burning; the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) regulates agricultural and prescribed burning and issues 'no-burn' days, and the District prohibits open burning of residential waste, leaves, prunings, and construction debris under Rule 56. Recreational fires meeting CFC §307.4.2 size limits (≤3 ft × 2 ft, 25 ft clearance, attended) are allowed except on no-burn days. Burning on a Red Flag Warning or VCAPCD no-burn day is independently citable.
View full Ventura rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Simi Valley | Ventura |
|---|---|---|
| Open Burning | Prohibited in city limits | - |
| Yard Waste Burning | Not allowed, use green waste pickup | - |
| VCAPCD | (805) 645-1400 | - |
| Exception | Recreational fire pits only | - |
| Permit needed for open burn | - | Yes — CFC §307.1 and VCAPCD Rule 56 |
| Residential trash/leaf burning | - | Prohibited |
| Recreational fire (≤3×2 ft, attended) | - | Allowed except no-burn / Red Flag days |
| Air District | - | Ventura County APCD (805-645-1400) |
| No-burn day status | - | Check VCAPCD before any burn |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Simi Valley FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in Simi Valley?
No, open burning of yard waste, trash, leaves, and debris is prohibited. Use the city's green waste collection program or take materials to an approved disposal facility.
Who regulates outdoor burning in Simi Valley?
Both the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) at (805) 645-1400 and the Ventura County Fire Protection District enforce outdoor burning regulations.
Are barbecues and fire pits allowed?
Yes, barbecue grills and approved recreational fire pits are allowed subject to clearance requirements and red flag restrictions. Only open burning of waste is prohibited.
Ventura FAQ
Can I burn yard waste or leaves?
No. VCAPCD Rule 56 prohibits open burning of residential green waste and trash in Ventura County. Use the City's curbside green-waste cart instead.
Can I have a campfire or beach bonfire?
Recreational fires meeting CFC §307.4.2 size limits are allowed on private property with attendance and clearance. Beach bonfires are NOT allowed on city/state beaches in Ventura except in designated fire rings where provided.
What is a Red Flag Warning?
A National Weather Service alert for critical fire weather (low humidity, strong winds, dry fuels). During a Red Flag Warning the Ventura Fire Marshal may suspend all open-flame permissions under CFC §307.1.1.
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