Backyard recreational burning is constrained by VMC Chapter 8.44 (open burning) and the 2022 California Fire Code adopted at VMC 8.20.010. Wood-fueled recreational fires must comply with California Fire Code §307 setbacks (25 ft from a structure; 15 ft for portable outdoor fireplaces), and SJVAPCD's Check Before You Burn rules govern residential wood burning November-February.
Visalia has not enacted a separate ordinance that broadly authorizes residential recreational wood fires. Instead, backyard fires are governed by (1) VMC Chapter 8.44 (open burning), (2) the 2022 California Fire Code adopted by reference at VMC 8.20.010, and (3) San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District rules. Under California Fire Code §307.4.2, recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material, and conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet shall be eliminated prior to ignition. CFC §307.4.3 requires portable outdoor fireplaces to be located at least 15 feet from a structure or combustible material. VMC 8.44.030 independently prohibits any fire that is roaring or out of control, that is within proximity of dry weeds or other hazardous conditions, that is not constantly supervised, or whose smoke is offensive to surrounding neighbors - all of which can shut down an otherwise lawful backyard fire. From November 1 through February, SJVAPCD's residential wood burning rule (Rule 4901) overlays daily burn declarations that can prohibit any residential wood burning on poor-air-quality days; first-time violators face fines up to $100.
The Fire Code Official may order any non-compliant backyard fire extinguished; repeat or hazardous violations are misdemeanors under VMC general penalties. SJVAPCD violations on no-burn days carry fines starting at $100 for first-time residential violators.
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