Recreational and waste backyard fires in unincorporated Sonoma County are tightly restricted. Open burning requires a permit under Sonoma County Code Section 13-71 (Fire Code Section 307.2), can only occur on declared permissive burn days, and only natural vegetation may be burned. Recreational fires (small wood fires) are allowed under CFC Section 307.4.2 only when at least 25 ft from combustibles. Burn bans, red-flag warnings, and suspension orders under Section 13-71(d) can stop all burning instantly.
Three overlapping rule sets apply: (1) Sonoma County Fire Code Section 307.2 (Ord. 2023-01) requires a burn permit under Sonoma County Code Section 13-71 for any open burning; (2) Section 105.5.54(5) requires a separate operational permit for bonfires or rubbish fires; (3) the California Fire Code Section 307.4.2 cap of 3 ft diameter x 2 ft high and 25 ft setback applies to small recreational fires. Per Sonoma County Fire Prevention Division, only dry natural vegetative material may be burned; piles must be no larger than 4 ft x 4 ft for permitted pile burns; an adult attendant, a 10-ft cleared ring, a water source, and a shovel are required. Burning of trash, painted wood, or construction debris is prohibited. Per Section 13-71(d) of the Sonoma County Code, the Fire Marshal may suspend all open burning when fire-hazard conditions warrant.
Per Fire Code Section 112.4 (Ord. 2023-01): misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 fine, up to 6 months in jail, or an administrative fine of not less than $1,000 — each day of continued violation is a separate offense. Section 107.6 authorizes cost recovery under California H&S Code Sections 13009 and 13009.1 for fire suppression, investigation, and EMS costs, and Government Code Section 53150 et seq. when an escape was negligent, intentional, or unlawful. Property owners may also face civil and criminal liability under state law if a fire escapes onto neighboring property.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Petaluma, CA
Petaluma Code Ch. 10.68 (Alcohol-Related Nuisance Ordinance) supplements general noise standards for parties involving alcohol. Property owners and hosts may...
Petaluma, CA
Leaf blowers and other power lawn equipment fall under Petaluma's general noise standards (IZO §21.040) and construction-hour standards. Use outside permitte...
Petaluma, CA
Petaluma Code §11.44.040 establishes two-hour street parking in posted downtown zones, applicable 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday through Saturday (excluding Sundays an...
Petaluma, CA
Petaluma Code Title 9 (Ch. 9.26) establishes procedures for declaring a dog 'potentially dangerous' or 'dangerous' based on behavior. Declared animals are su...
Petaluma, CA
Commercial filming on public property or rights-of-way in Petaluma requires a film permit through the City's Film Permitting process, typically administered ...
Petaluma, CA
Drone operation in Petaluma is regulated primarily by FAA Part 107 and Part 89. Petaluma Municipal Airport (O69) imposes a controlled-airspace restriction wi...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Sonoma County.
See how Petaluma's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.