Santa Maria, CA Fire Regulations: Backyard Fires (2026)

Santa Maria's backyard-fire rules sit at the intersection of three regulators. First, Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) Rule 312 - confirmed on APCD's official website - states that backyard burning of leaves, weeds, grass clippings, shrubbery and tree prunings is prohibited within the incorporated cities of Solvang, Santa Maria and Lompoc. That means you cannot burn yard waste in your backyard regardless of how small the fire is. Second, Santa Maria Municipal Code Chapter 9-28 (Fire Prevention Code) amends California Fire Code Section 307.1 to prohibit open burning within City limits except for recreational fires (CFC 307.4.2) and portable outdoor fireplaces (CFC 307.4.3) - so the only backyard fires allowed are wood-fueled recreational fires sized 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height with a 25-foot setback from any structure, or manufacturer-rated portable outdoor fireplaces with at least a 3-foot setback at single-family homes. Third, CFC Section 307.5 (as adopted) requires constant attendance until the fire is completely extinguished and immediate availability of an extinguisher, garden hose, or other on-site suppression. The amended Section 9-28.040 also empowers the Fire Chief or designee to require discontinuance of any backyard open-flame activity (including barbecuing/cooking) when it creates a hazard, is offensive, or creates a nuisance. On red-flag warning days the Fire Chief may suspend all recreational and portable-fireplace use.