Outdoor burning rules in Riverside, 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 trash or yard waste is prohibited in Riverside. Any open burn or bonfire requires both a Riverside Fire Department permit (24-hour advance notice) and compliance with South Coast AQMD Rule 444; no-burn days override any permit.
The City of Riverside has adopted California Fire Code Section 307 by reference in Riverside Municipal Code Chapter 16.32. CFC §307.1.1 prohibits open burning that is offensive or objectionable due to smoke or odor emissions, or when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make it hazardous. Within the South Coast Air Basin (which includes Riverside), South Coast AQMD Rules 444 and 445 further restrict residential and agricultural open burning and prohibit indoor wood burning on declared no-burn days. The City of Riverside Fire Department issues open burning permits only after a 24-hour-advance application and site plan review per the Fire Prevention Division's bulletin on Open Burning, Bonfires and Portable Outdoor Fireplaces. Recreational fires no larger than 3 ft x 2 ft are exempt from the permit requirement but remain subject to the size and setback rules under CFC §307.4.
Unpermitted open burning is a violation of RMC Ch. 16.32 / CFC §307 and is subject to administrative citation by Code Enforcement and may be charged as a misdemeanor under the adopted Fire Code. Violations of SCAQMD no-burn rules carry separate civil penalties from the Air District. The Fire Code Official may order any open fire extinguished and revoke or refuse to issue future permits to a violator.
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