Santa Cruz, CA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Santa Cruz Municipal Code 19.05.120 adds California Fire Code Sections 307.2 through 307.5. Under Section 307.2 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. Section 307.2.1 requires prior approval from the state or local air and water quality management authority where required by law. Section 307.4 requires open burning be located at least 50 feet from any structure. The City's Fire Department sets the practical rules: the burn season is typically December 1 - April 30; the permit fee is $50 and the parcel must be one-half acre or greater; burning must be completed between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.; 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. Burners must call 1-800-CAL-BURN (1-800-225-2876) to verify burn days (recording updated 4:00 p.m. daily) and follow the Monterey Bay Air Resources District's Guidelines for Backyard Burning of Vegetation.