Santa Cruz, CA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Santa Cruz, 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.
Key Facts
- Code Section
- SCMC 19.05.120 (CFC 307.2-307.5)
- Burn season
- Dec 1 - Apr 30, burn days only
- Permit
- $50; parcel 1/2 acre or greater; owners only
- Burn hours
- 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; verify via 1-800-CAL-BURN
Summary
Open burning in Santa Cruz requires a Fire Department burn permit ($50), is limited to parcels of one-half acre or larger, and is generally allowed only during the December 1 - April 30 burn season on declared burn days. Burning is prohibited on parcels under half an acre (except where yard-waste pickup is unavailable) and within 100 feet of a neighbor's structure.
307.2 Permit required. When required by the fire chief, a permit shall be obtained prior to kindling a fire for recognized agricultural or range or wildlife management practices, prevention or control of disease or pests, or a bonfire. Application for such permit shall only be presented by and permits issued to the owner of the land upon which the fire is to be kindled. 307.2.1 Authorization. Where required by state or local law or regulations, open burning shall only be permitted with prior approval from the state or local air and water quality management authority, provided that all conditions specified in the authorization are followed. 307.4 Location. The location for open burning shall not be less than 50 feet from any structure, and provisions shall be made to prevent the fire from spreading to within 50 feet of any structure.
Full Breakdown
5. 2 a permit is required, when required by the fire chief, before kindling a fire for recognized agricultural, range, wildlife-management, disease/pest control, or a bonfire, and permits issue only to the owner of the land. 1 requires prior approval from the state or local air and water quality management authority where required by law. 4 requires open burning be located at least 50 feet from any structure. ; permits issue only to property owners; backyard burning is prohibited on parcels under one-half acre (except where yard-waste pickup is unavailable) and within 100 feet of any structure on an adjacent property. daily) and follow the Monterey Bay Air Resources District's Guidelines for Backyard Burning of Vegetation.
Violations & Fines
Burning without a required permit or outside permitted conditions is a Fire Code violation enforceable by the fire code official, who under SCMC 19.05.120 (CFC 307.3) may order extinguishment. Property owners 'may be held liable if a fire escapes their control and/or burns the property of a neighbor.'
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to burn yard waste in Santa Cruz?
Can I burn yard waste on a small lot?
How do I know if today is a burn day?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Cruz
How Santa Cruz compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Cruz to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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