Small recreational fires in approved fire pits or chimineas are allowed in Sunnyvale backyards using clean fuel. Open ground fires and debris burning are prohibited under the Fire Code and BAAQMD rules.
Sunnyvale permits backyard recreational fires only when contained in approved appliances such as manufactured fire pits, chimineas, or patio heaters. The fire must be at least 10 feet from any structure, fence, or overhanging vegetation per California Fire Code Section 307.4. Clean dry seasoned wood, propane, or natural gas are acceptable fuels. Burning treated lumber, painted wood, garbage, leaves, or green yard waste is prohibited. Fires must be attended by an adult, a water source must be on hand, and the fire must be extinguished before leaving. On BAAQMD Spare the Air days, all wood burning is prohibited indoors and outdoors. Violations can trigger fines from the Sunnyvale DPS Fire Services Division.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Santa Clara County handle backyard fires.
See how Sunnyvale's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
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