Fire Regulations in Santa Cruz County, CA (2026)
6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Santa Cruz County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
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 Fire Pit and Recreational Fire Rules
Some RestrictionsSanta 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...
Fireworks
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 Fireworks Rules
Heavy RestrictionsSanta 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.
Brush Clearance
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.
Santa Cruz County Brush Clearance and Defensible Space
Some RestrictionsCal. 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...
Outdoor Burning
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 Outdoor Burning Permits
Some RestrictionsSanta 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.
Wildfire Zones
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.
Santa Cruz County Wildfire Hazard Zones
Some RestrictionsCal. 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...
Propane Storage
Santa Cruz County caps liquefied petroleum gas storage at 2,000 gallons water capacity anywhere within the Santa Cruz County Fire District under Fire Code § 7.92.9500(C). The limit governs the aboveground LP-gas tanks common on rural properties in the Santa Cruz Mountains and coastal unincorporated communities, and it works alongside a separate five-foot property-line setback for propane tanks in the county's zoning code.
Santa Cruz County Propane Storage Limit
Some RestrictionsSanta Cruz County Code § 7.92.9500(C) (Fire Code, Geographic Limits)
(C) Establishment of Limits for Storage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas. The limits referred to in Section 6104.2 of the Fire Code of Santa Cruz County are hereby limited to a maximum of 2,000 gallons water capacity within the political boundary of the Santa Cruz County Fire District.
Fire Regulations by City in Santa Cruz County
1 cities in Santa Cruz County have their own fire regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Santa Cruz County ordinances
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