Open burning is prohibited in San Francisco under Fire Code Section 307 and BAAQMD Regulation 5. Only contained recreational fires in approved appliances with clean fuel are allowed. Fire pits, chimineas, and propane heaters are regulated, and spare-the-air days ban all solid-fuel burning.
San Francisco Fire Code Section 307 prohibits all open burning. Only small recreational fires in UL-listed appliances (fire pits, chimineas, outdoor fireplaces) burning clean fuel (seasoned wood, charcoal, or propane/natural gas) are permitted. The fire must be less than 3 feet in diameter, at least 25 feet from any structure, attended at all times, and with a means of extinguishment nearby. BAAQMD (Bay Area Air Quality Management District) Regulation 5 bans the burning of garbage, leaves, yard waste, and treated wood year-round. On Winter Spare the Air days (typically Nov-Feb), all wood burning indoors or outdoors is prohibited, with fines starting at $100 for first offense and rising to $500+. Propane and natural gas fire features are allowed on Spare the Air days because they produce minimal particulates. Barbecues for cooking are permitted but must follow clearance rules. HOAs and condo buildings commonly prohibit any open flame on balconies. SFFD enforces via complaint, and BAAQMD handles air-quality fines.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact San Francisco code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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