Outdoor burning rules in Ventura, 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 outdoor burning of trash, leaves, brush, or construction debris is prohibited in Ventura. The California Fire Code §307 (adopted via SBMC Division 10) requires a permit from the fire code official for any open burning; the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) regulates agricultural and prescribed burning and issues 'no-burn' days, and the District prohibits open burning of residential waste, leaves, prunings, and construction debris under Rule 56. Recreational fires meeting CFC §307.4.2 size limits (≤3 ft × 2 ft, 25 ft clearance, attended) are allowed except on no-burn days. Burning on a Red Flag Warning or VCAPCD no-burn day is independently citable.
Outdoor burning in Ventura is regulated by three overlapping authorities: (1) the California Fire Code §307 (Open Burning, Recreational Fires, Portable Outdoor Fireplaces), adopted into San Buenaventura Municipal Code Division 10; (2) the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD), which administers Rule 56 (Open Burning) under California Health & Safety Code §41800 et seq.; and (3) Public Resources Code §4422 (prohibited burning during fire season without permit). CFC §307.1 requires a permit from the fire code official for any open burning except recreational fires (CFC §307.4.2) and portable outdoor fireplaces (CFC §307.4.3). CFC §307.1.1 authorizes the Fire Marshal to prohibit any open flame when atmospheric or local conditions make it hazardous — invoked during Red Flag Warnings and high-wind events. Burning leaves, yard waste, trash, or construction debris is prohibited regardless of permit because VCAPCD Rule 56 generally restricts residential and commercial waste burning. Agricultural and prescribed/ecological burns require VCAPCD permits AND must be conducted only on Permissive Burn Days. Cooking fires using approved appliances (BBQs, propane grills) are not 'open burning.'
Permitless open burning is a misdemeanor under SBMC §1.200.010 (up to $1,000 fine / 6 months jail). VCAPCD Rule 56 violations carry administrative civil penalties under HSC §42400 (up to $1,000 per day per violation; higher for negligent or willful). PRC §4422 violations carry criminal penalties. If an unlawful fire escapes, suppression-cost recovery under HSC §13009 may run to tens of thousands of dollars. Burning on a no-burn day independently triggers VCAPCD enforcement.
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