Outdoor burning rules in Fremont, 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 burning of yard waste is banned in Fremont. Only small recreational fires are allowed. BAAQMD Spare the Air alerts override all wood-burning permissions citywide.
Fremont prohibits the open burning of leaves, yard trimmings, construction debris, and household refuse under both municipal code and Bay Area Air Quality Management District Regulation 5. Residents must use the city green waste cart serviced by Republic Services for landscape debris. The only outdoor burning permitted is small recreational fires for cooking or warmth (maximum 3 feet wide, 2 feet tall) using seasoned firewood or approved manufactured logs. BAAQMD issues Spare the Air alerts on days when fine particulate pollution is forecast to exceed federal standards, making any wood burning illegal citywide with fines starting at 100 dollars for a first offense and rising to 500 dollars. Fire pits fueled by natural gas or propane are exempt from Spare the Air rules. In the east foothills VHFHSZ, outdoor burning restrictions tighten further during red flag warnings.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Fremont, CA
Fremont limits leaf blower use to daytime hours and must comply with California AB 1346 banning sales of new gas blowers statewide as of 2024.
Fremont, CA
Fremont limits industrial noise to 70 dBA at commercial property lines and 55 dBA at abutting residential lines under FMC Chapter 5.30.
Fremont, CA
Fremont treats persistent dog barking as a public nuisance under FMC Chapter 6, with Animal Services investigating complaints and issuing citations.
Fremont, CA
Fremont permits wood, masonry, vinyl, and metal fences but restricts barbed wire, electric fencing, and combustible materials in fire-hazard zones.
Fremont, CA
Retaining walls over 3 feet high require engineered permits in Fremont, with extra scrutiny for Mission Peak and Hayward Fault slope areas.
Fremont, CA
Fremont prohibits exotic and wild animals under California Code of Regulations Title 14 Section 671 and FMC Chapter 6, preempting most exotics.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Alameda County.
See how other cities in Alameda County handle outdoor burning.
See how Fremont's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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