Outdoor burning rules in Sacramento, 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 Sacramento under SMAQMD Rule 401 and SMC 8.08; only permitted recreational fires in approved devices are allowed.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD) Rule 401 prohibits open burning of landscape debris, construction waste, or household trash in Sacramento year-round. Agricultural burning requires a specific permit and allowed burn day declaration. Recreational fires (wood fireplaces, chimineas) must use seasoned wood, be under 3 feet in diameter, and observe Spare The Air curtailment days when SMAQMD calls them. Winter Check Before You Burn mandatory curtailments can forbid residential wood burning on high-PM2.5 days with fines up to 100 dollars first offense.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Sacramento code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Sacramento County.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle outdoor burning.
See how Sacramento's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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