Sonoma, CA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

59 to add a list of local operational permits, and item 5 covers bonfires and rubbish fires: no one may kindle, or authorize the kindling or maintenance of, a bonfire or rubbish fire anywhere in the City of Sonoma without first obtaining a permit from the Bureau of Fire Prevention. 1. 035 adopts the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code and directs the fire department to maintain a current VHFHS zone map, so anyone considering an open fire near mapped wildland areas is doubly on notice. A homeowner planning a backyard bonfire, a business hosting an outdoor event with an open flame, or anyone burning rubbish must clear it with the Bureau first; skipping the step is treated the same as skipping any other required fire-safety permit under the code.

010, the citywide violation-penalty section, which lets code enforcement officers issue infraction citations. 10 violations specifically draw a $100 fine for a first offense, $500 for a second violation of the same section within a year, and $1,000 for a third or subsequent violation within a year, rather than the lower general infraction fines used elsewhere in the code. 010(E) bars the city from issuing any building, zoning, or fire permit to a responsible party until penalties and fees tied to the violation are paid.