Outdoor burning rules in Palm Springs, 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 is prohibited in Palm Springs under PSMC Ch. 8.12, Riverside County Fire rules, and South Coast AQMD Rule 444.
Open burning of yard waste, trash, construction debris, or any other material is prohibited in Palm Springs. Riverside County Fire, SCAQMD Rule 444 (agricultural and open burning), and the California Fire Code (adopted via PSMC Ch. 8.12) together ban residential outdoor burning in the desert communities. Permitted exceptions are narrow: small recreational fires in approved devices (see backyard-fires), ceremonial fires with a special permit, and professional land-management prescribed burns by CAL FIRE with air-quality waivers. During Red Flag Warnings declared by the National Weather Service, even permitted recreational fires may be suspended. Violations can result in citations starting at several hundred dollars and cost-recovery if fire department response is required.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Palm Springs code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Riverside County.
See how other cities in Riverside County handle outdoor burning.
See how Palm Springs's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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