Small recreational fires are allowed in approved containers under 3 feet wide with 25-foot clearance, except on Spare the Air days.
Under California Fire Code Section 307.4.2, Hayward permits small recreational fires in an approved outdoor fireplace, chiminea, or portable pit provided the fire is no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high, fueled only by clean, seasoned firewood or charcoal, and maintained at least 25 feet from structures, property lines, and combustible vegetation. A responsible adult must supervise continuously and have a connected garden hose or extinguisher available. Backyard fires are banned on BAAQMD Spare the Air alert days from November through February and during red flag warnings issued by the National Weather Service for the East Bay Hills. Burning pallets, pressure-treated wood, painted lumber, garbage, or yard waste is always prohibited. Violators face administrative citations and potential liability for any resulting fire.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Hayward, CA
Construction noise in Hayward is generally permitted Monday through Saturday, 7 AM to 7 PM, with no construction allowed on Sundays or holidays in residentia...
Hayward, CA
Commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds gross weight or 22 feet in length are prohibited from parking overnight in Hayward residential districts under Hayward...
Hayward, CA
Hayward permits on-street parking with a 72-hour maximum on public streets before a vehicle is deemed abandoned under CVC 22651(k). Many downtown blocks have...
Hayward, CA
Hayward restricts RV, trailer, and boat parking on public streets to 72 hours and on residential front yards where they must be screened or stored in side or...
Hayward, CA
Hayward bans barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fencing in residential zones. Chain link is allowed but may need front-yard screening. Historic districts ...
Hayward, CA
Hayward allows fences up to 6 feet in rear and side yards and 3 to 4 feet in front. Corner visibility triangles need lower heights. Taller fences need a perm...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Alameda County.
See how other cities in Alameda County handle backyard fires.
See how Hayward's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.