Fire pit rules in Sunnyvale, CA — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Sunnyvale allows residential recreational fire pits fueled by clean natural gas or propane. Wood-burning outdoor fires are heavily restricted under BAAQMD Regulation 6 Rule 3 and Sunnyvale Fire Code.
Sunnyvale adopts the California Fire Code with local amendments in Sunnyvale Municipal Code Chapter 16.52. Gas-fueled fire pits are permitted on patios and yards when installed per manufacturer clearances, typically 10 feet from structures, fences, and combustible vegetation. Wood-burning fire pits are discouraged because Sunnyvale lies within the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, which issues Spare the Air alerts prohibiting wood burning on poor air quality days. Recreational fires must be attended at all times, use only clean dry firewood if permitted, and be fully extinguished before leaving unattended. The Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety Fire Services Division enforces rules and may require removal of non-compliant installations.
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.
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