Outdoor burning rules in Sunnyvale, 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.
Open burning of yard waste, trash, and construction debris is prohibited in Sunnyvale. BAAQMD Regulation 5 bans agricultural and residential burning across the Bay Area including Santa Clara County.
Sunnyvale prohibits all open outdoor burning under Sunnyvale Municipal Code Chapter 16.52 and BAAQMD Regulation 5. This includes burning of leaves, branches, yard trimmings, household trash, lumber, and construction debris. Residents must dispose of green waste through the city organics cart program or by taking it to the SMaRT Station transfer facility. The only exceptions are approved recreational cooking fires in compliant appliances, ceremonial fires with a permit, and training fires conducted by the Sunnyvale Fire Department. BAAQMD may also prohibit wood-burning fireplaces and stoves on Spare the Air days. Violators face fines from both the city and the air district.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how other cities in Santa Clara County handle outdoor burning.
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