Santa Maria, CA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Santa Maria, 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
- Adopted code
- California Fire Code (2022/2025 Edition)
- Local citation
- Santa Maria Municipal Code Chapter 9-28
- Backyard yard-waste burning
- Prohibited (APCD Rule 312)
- Permitted exceptions
- Recreational fires, portable outdoor fireplaces, single-use Fire Chief permit
- Fire Chief authority
- May order any open-flame activity to stop
Summary
Santa Maria Municipal Code Chapter 9-28 amends California Fire Code Section 307.1 to prohibit open burning within city limits, except for recreational fires (CFC 307.4.2), portable outdoor fireplaces (CFC 307.4.3), or under a single-use permit issued by the Fire Chief. Santa Barbara County APCD separately prohibits backyard burning of leaves, weeds, and yard waste in incorporated Santa Maria.
Burning waste of any kind in an open fire is prohibited, except 1) to dispose of waste produced by commercial agricultural operations, which must be done under strict conditions, and 2) backyard burning of plant trimmings and leaves allowed in specific areas by permit and under strict conditions. Backyard burning of leaves, weeds, grass clippings, shrubbery and tree prunings is prohibited within the incorporated cities of Solvang, Santa Maria and Lompoc.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
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. 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.
Violations & Fines
Open burning without a permit is a violation of the adopted California Fire Code, enforceable under Santa Maria Municipal Code Chapter 9-28 and CFC Chapter 1 (typically a misdemeanor or infraction). The Fire Chief can order immediate extinguishment. APCD violations of Rule 312 carry separate civil penalties for air-quality violations, and the City may pursue cost recovery for any fire response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in my backyard?
Can I get a one-time burn permit?
Do agricultural growers near Santa Maria have an exception?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Maria
How Santa Maria compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Maria to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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