Outdoor burning rules in Elk Grove, 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.
Open outdoor burning of yard waste, trash, or agricultural debris is prohibited in Elk Grove. SMAQMD Rule 401 and 421 regulate open burning and residential wood combustion throughout Sacramento County, with year-round no-burn enforcement in the urbanized area.
Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD) Rule 401 prohibits open outdoor burning within the urbanized portion of Sacramento County, which includes all of Elk Grove. Residents cannot burn leaves, grass clippings, tree trimmings, or household waste in burn barrels or piles. Limited agricultural burning is allowed only by permit in rural unincorporated areas, not inside Elk Grove city limits. Rule 421 further restricts residential wood burning in fireplaces and stoves during declared no-burn days. Small recreational fires using clean firewood or charcoal in an approved fire pit are allowed (see fire pit rules), but burning yard debris to dispose of it is never permitted. Green waste must be placed in the Republic Services organics cart for curbside collection.
SMAQMD penalties start at $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second, and $200+ for subsequent violations, with higher fines for commercial or intentional burns. Cosumnes Fire may also issue fire-code citations.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Sacramento County.
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