Fire pit rules in Sonoma, CA — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Recreational fires and fire pits are allowed inside the City of Sonoma under the California Fire Code as adopted by the Sonoma Valley Fire District, but only natural gas/propane fire pits and small wood recreational fires meeting setback and supervision rules are permitted; vegetation pile burning inside city limits is prohibited.
The City of Sonoma is served by the Sonoma Valley Fire District (SVFD), which enforces the 2022 California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9 CCR) with local amendments. Under CFC Section 307.4.2 (Recreational fires), an open recreational fire (wood, charcoal) cannot exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height and must be at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material. Portable outdoor fireplaces (commercially manufactured fire pits) must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and located at least 15 feet from a structure or combustible material per CFC 307.4.3. Per Bay Area Air Quality Management District Regulation 6, Rule 3, wood-burning devices designed and used for cooking are exempt from emissions standards, as are decorative outdoor fireplaces and fire pits. Inside the City of Sonoma (a Local Responsibility Area), open burning of leaves and yard waste is not permitted under SVFD policy — only natural-gas, propane, or small contained recreational fires are allowed. A water supply (garden hose or fire extinguisher) and a competent attendant must be present at all times.
Violations of the adopted Fire Code are enforced by the Sonoma Valley Fire District and the City of Sonoma. Per Sonoma Municipal Code §1.20.010, general code violations are infractions punishable by fines of $100 (first), $200 (second), and $500 (third and subsequent within one year), or as misdemeanors at the discretion of the prosecutor. The Fire Marshal may also order any fire immediately extinguished if it creates a nuisance or hazard, and red-flag/PSPS conditions may trigger additional restrictions.
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