Sonoma County, CA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Sonoma County, CA, also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance, set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Yes - Permit Sonoma burn permit
- Max pile size
- 4 ft diameter by 4 ft tall
- Clearance
- 10-foot diameter to bare soil
- Allowed material
- Dry natural vegetation only
- Burn day check
- BAAQMD (south) / N. Sonoma APCD (north)
- Windy days
- Prohibited
Summary
Open burning of vegetation in unincorporated Sonoma County requires a current, valid burn permit from Permit Sonoma plus a permissive burn day from the local air district. Piles are limited to 4 feet in diameter and height, must be cleared 10 feet to bare soil, attended by an adult, and contain only dry natural vegetation - never trash.
307.2 Permit Required. Prior to commencement of open burning, a burning permit shall be obtained pursuant to section 13-71 of the Sonoma County Code.
Full Breakdown
Outdoor (open) burning in unincorporated Sonoma County requires two approvals: a fire burn permit from Permit Sonoma and confirmation that it is a permissive (legal) burn day from your air district. Permit Sonoma notes that 'current and valid agriculture and residential burn permits' are required and that burning is suspended during high-fire-danger periods (the suspension was most recently lifted November 1, 2024).
Permit Sonoma's rules are specific: piles 'should be no larger than four feet in diameter and in height'; you must 'clear a 10 foot diameter down to bare soil around your piles'; an adult must attend the fire at all times; keep a shovel and water source nearby; and 'do NOT burn on windy days.' Only dry, natural vegetative material - leaves, pine needles, tree trimmings - may be burned. 'The burning of trash, painted wood or other debris is not allowed.'
Air quality is regulated separately. Residents must 'verify it is a permissive burn day prior to burning by contacting their local air pollution control district.' The southern County is in the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD, (415) 771-6000); the northern County is in the Northern Sonoma County Air Pollution Control District ((707) 433-5911), where burn permits are required year-round. Permissive burn days are posted on each district's website. Given Sonoma County's wildfire history, these rules are enforced strictly and burning can be suspended county-wide on short notice.
Violations & Fines
Burning without a valid Permit Sonoma burn permit, on a non-permissive burn day, with an oversized pile (over 4 ft), without a 10-foot bare-soil clearance, or burning prohibited materials (trash, painted wood, debris) violates County open-burning rules and can trigger county and air-district penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big can my burn pile be in unincorporated Sonoma County?
How do I know if it's a legal burn day?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sonoma County
How Sonoma County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Sonoma County to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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