Fire pit rules in Santa Clara, CA — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Santa Clara allows residential fire pits fueled by propane or natural gas. Wood-burning devices face Bay Area Air Quality Management District curfews during Spare the Air alerts.
Santa Clara City Code references the California Fire Code as adopted by Santa Clara County Fire. Portable outdoor fireplaces and chimineas are permitted on private residential property when kept at least 10 feet from combustible structures, fences, and vegetation. Fires must be constantly attended until fully extinguished. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) Regulation 6, Rule 3 prohibits wood burning in any Bay Area residence during a Winter Spare the Air Alert; this applies throughout Santa Clara. Gas-fueled fire pits and manufactured devices are exempt from the BAAQMD wood-burning rule. Fire pits may not be used during Red Flag Warnings or when the Fire Marshal has issued a burn suspension.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how other cities in Santa Clara County handle fire pit rules.
See how Santa Clara's fire pit rules rules stack up against other locations.
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