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

Santa Maria's Fire Prevention Code is in Chapter 9-28 of the Santa Maria Municipal Code, which adopts the California Fire Code, 2022 Edition (and subsequent editions adopted by the State) with local amendments effective January 1, 2023. Ordinance 2025-05 has subsequently updated the adoption to reference the 2025 Edition. Section 9-28.040 of the Municipal Code deletes CFC Section 307.1 in its entirety and replaces it with language declaring open burning prohibited within City limits, except as provided in CFC Section 307.4.2 ('Recreational fires'), CFC Section 307.4.3 ('Portable outdoor fireplaces'), or through a single-use permit issued by the Fire Chief. The amendment additionally authorizes the Fire Chief or designee to require the discontinuance of any use, process, equipment, or activity involving open flame, burning, smoking, barbecuing/cooking, or any similar activity when the Fire Chief determines that the activity creates a hazard, is offensive, or creates a nuisance. Layered on top is Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) Rule 312 governing open fires: APCD has confirmed that backyard burning of leaves, weeds, grass clippings, shrubbery and tree prunings is prohibited within the incorporated cities of Solvang, Santa Maria, and Lompoc. Agricultural burns require both a Santa Barbara County Fire Department burn permit and APCD authorization, and are valid only on California Air Resources Board 'Permissive Burn Days,' which can be cancelled by the Fire Chief or APCD due to critical wildland fire conditions.