2 rules for unincorporated Sonoma County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Gas, propane, and electric barbecues are generally allowed in unincorporated Sonoma County and are not subject to the wood-smoke burn bans that can apply on Winter Spare the Air days. The California Fire Code adopted in County Code Chapter 13 sets clearance and safety expectations, and in Very High fire zones grills should be kept well clear of vegetation and structures.
Wood- and charcoal-fired smokers used for cooking are generally allowed in unincorporated Sonoma County and are not regulated as the open burning of vegetation. However, in the BAAQMD portion of the County, wood smoke is restricted on Winter Spare the Air Alert days, and all solid-fuel cooking carries wildfire risk that triggers Fire Code clearance and defensible-space caution.
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