Outdoor burning rules in San Mateo, 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 banned in San Mateo under BAAQMD Regulation 5. Wood-burning devices (fireplaces, stoves, fire pits) are prohibited during Spare the Air Alerts under BAAQMD Regulation 6, Rule 3.
San Mateo is within the BAAQMD jurisdiction. Open burning is prohibited under BAAQMD Regulation 5. Wood-burning devices including fireplaces, wood stoves, pellet stoves, and outdoor fire pits are banned on Spare the Air Alert days under BAAQMD Regulation 6, Rule 3. The 2025 rule amendment lowered the PM2.5 trigger to 25 µg/m³, increasing expected alert days to 19–41 per year. New homes may not include wood-burning devices. Property sellers must provide a Residential Wood Burning Disclosure.
Illegal burning: $100 to $1,000 city fines. AQMD violations: $100 to $1,000/day. PRC §4423: up to $1,000 + 6 months imprisonment.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Mateo County.
See how other cities in San Mateo County handle outdoor burning.
See how San Mateo's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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