7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 7 cities in Sacramento County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Unincorporated Sacramento County allows backyard fire pits subject to California Fire Code and SMAQMD rules. Fire pits must be 3 ft or smaller, burn only clean seasoned wood or propane, and sit at least 15 ft from structures, fences, and combustible vegetation.
All consumer fireworks, including Safe and Sane, are banned in unincorporated Sacramento County. Only permitted public displays are legal. Violations carry administrative fines up to 1,000 dollars plus state penalties.
Property owners in unincorporated Sacramento County must maintain 100 ft defensible space per Public Resources Code 4291 in designated fire hazard zones, especially in foothill and Delta WUI areas. Metro Fire and Cal Fire inspect annually.
California Public Resources Code § 4291
(a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in the state responsibility area shall at all times do all of the following: (1) (A) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line, except as provided in subparagraph (B). The amount of fuel modification necessary shall con...
Open burning of yard waste, trash, and vegetation is generally prohibited in unincorporated Sacramento County under SMAQMD Rule 421 and county fire code. Agricultural burns require SMAQMD permits and burn-day authorization.
Sacramento County contains Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the eastern foothills and portions of the Delta. Properties in VHFHSZ face stricter defensible space, building ignition-resistant construction, and insurance disclosure requirements.
All dwellings in unincorporated Sacramento County must have working smoke alarms in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level, plus CO alarms, per California Health and Safety Code 13113.7 and 13260.
California Health and Safety Code § 13113.7
(a) (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, smoke alarms, approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 13114 at the time of installation, shall be installed, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions in each dwelling intended for human occupancy. (2) For all dwelling units intended for human occupancy for which a building permit is issued on or after Janu...
Small recreational backyard fires are allowed in unincorporated Sacramento County when conducted in approved containers with proper clearance, except on SMAQMD no-burn days. Only clean, dry, seasoned firewood may be used.
7 cities in Sacramento County have their own fire regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
8 verified rules • Backyard Fires, Brush Clearance
7 verified rules • Backyard Fires, Brush Clearance
7 verified rules • Backyard Fires, Brush Clearance
7 verified rules • Backyard Fires, Brush Clearance
7 verified rules • Backyard Fires, Brush Clearance
7 verified rules • Backyard Fires, Brush Clearance
6 verified rules • Brush Clearance, Fire Pit Rules
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