9 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Santa Cruz County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Recreational backyard fires are governed by the California Fire Code, adopted via County Code Chapter 7.92. Recreational fires must stay at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, be constantly attended, and have a means of extinguishment ready. High fire-hazard conditions can trigger added restrictions.
Santa Cruz County Code § 7.92.307 adopting California Fire Code § 307.4.2
Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material. Open burning, bonfires, recreational fires and use of portable outdoor fireplaces shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher complying with Section 906 with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment, such...
All fireworks are illegal in unincorporated Santa Cruz County. Even California-legal 'Safe and Sane' fireworks are banned countywide in unincorporated areas and on all beaches. The Sheriff's Office steps up enforcement around July 4, when violations can carry fines up to $1,000.
Santa Cruz County Code § 7.92.5600 amending California Fire Code Ch. 56, § 5601.1.3
The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks are prohibited. Exception: The use of fireworks for fireworks displays, pyrotechnics before a proximate audience and pyrotechnic special effects in motion picture, television, theatrical or group entertainment productions as allowed in Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 6 Fireworks and Health and Safety Code Division 11.
Property owners in unincorporated Santa Cruz County must maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures under California Public Resources Code 4291, plus roadway/driveway clearance under the county's hazardous-vegetation rules. Local fire districts inspect High Fire Hazard areas each spring.
Cal. Pub. Res. Code § 4291 - Mountainous, forest-covered, or grass-covered lands; defensible space
A greater distance than that required under subparagraph (A) may be required by state law, local ordinance, rule, or regulation. Fuel modification beyond the property line may only be required by state law, local ordinance, rule, or regulation in order to maintain 100 feet of defensible space from a structure. Fuel modification on adjacent property shall only be conducted following written cons...
Residential (backyard) outdoor burning in unincorporated Santa Cruz County is allowed only during the open burn season, on a permissive burn day, with a CAL FIRE burn permit and a Monterey Bay Air Resources District (MBARD) permit. The county fire code section 7.92.307.2 governs burn season and permits.
Santa Cruz County Code § 7.92.307 (amending California Fire Code § 307)
Open burning is not allowed within the Local Responsibility Area of Santa Cruz County without the approval of the local fire chief having jurisdiction over that property. The open burn season for Santa Cruz County, unless otherwise declared, shall be December 1st through April 30th of the calendar year.
Most of unincorporated Santa Cruz County is mapped High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, with extensive Wildland-Urban Interface. The 2020 CZU Lightning Complex burned 86,509 acres and destroyed about 1,490 structures. WUI building standards and 100-foot defensible space apply.
Cal. Gov. Code § 51178 / Cal. Pub. Res. Code § 4202 - Fire Hazard Severity Zones (CAL FIRE OSFM)
Fire Hazard Severity Zones The Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps are developed using a science-based and field-tested model that assigns a hazard score based on the factors that influence fire likelihood and fire behavior. Many factors are considered such as fire history, existing and potential fuel (natural vegetation), predicted flame length, blowing embers, terrain, and typical fire weat...
There is no separate Santa Cruz County smoke-alarm ordinance - statewide California law controls. Health & Safety Code 13113.7 requires State Fire Marshal-approved smoke alarms in dwellings, and HSC 17926 requires carbon monoxide alarms in homes with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages.
Small backyard recreational fires are allowed under the adopted California Fire Code but must stay 25 feet from structures and combustibles and be constantly attended. Burning yard debris is different - it requires CAL FIRE and MBARD permits, the open burn season, and a permissive burn day.
Santa Cruz County Fire / CAL FIRE Pile Burning Guidelines (under § 7.92.307)
Residential burning constitutes the burning of vegetation piles no greater than 4' by 4' by 4' in diameter. A minimum clearance of 10-feet from all flammable material down to bare mineral soil shall be maintained. A responsible adult shall always be in attendance of the fire. Fire may be ignited between 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and must be completely out by 5:00 PM.
Residential propane is regulated by the California Fire Code (Chapter 61), adopted through County Code Chapter 7.92. No permit is needed for one cooking appliance plus one spare 20-lb cylinder at a home. For fire safety, county fire guidance directs that LPG tanks be at least 30 feet from structures.
1 cities in Santa Cruz County have their own fire regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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