Burn Permits
Overview
There are two types of burning allowed in Santa Cruz County Backyard Burning and Agriculture Burning. At any time should any fire escape your control, you will be held accountable and should expect to possibly pay a fine for cost recovery. The two types are as follows:
BACKYARD BURN PERMIT INFORMATION
UPDATED BACKYARD BURN PERMIT PROCESS FOR 2025 & 2026
Backyard Burning – Permit Required
Starting December 1, 2025, backyard burn permits must be obtained through CAL FIRE. This will help standardize burn regulations county-wide. For more information on how to apply for a backyard burn permit, please visit CAL FIRE Burn Permits to apply for a permit and also make sure to coordinate through the Monterey Bay Air Resources District.
Pajaro Valley Fire District still requires individuals planning to burn to notify our office before proceeding. Once you have obtained a permit with CAL FIRE and confirmed its a burn day, please call our office at (831) 722-6188.
Backyard burning season is regulated by the declaration of the end of fire season. Once deemed safe by CAL FIRE, backyard burning will be allowed. The date that typically coincided with this is Dec. 1 thru April 30. Be sure to contact the proper authorities prior to burning to be certain that burn season has been open.
Backyard burning is for non-agricultural properties and permit persons to burn yard trimmings, clippings or pruning’s grown on their property. Under no circumstances are the burning of trash, processed or painted lumber, plastics or other non grown products allowed to be burned at any time.
Rules that apply to all burning:
- An adult shall be in attendance at all times
- Piles should be no larger than 4’x4′
- Water must be available and at the burn site
- Burning shall be during daylight hours ONLY
- Piles will be surrounded by a ten foot circle cut to bare mineral soil
- Burning is allowed only on burn days referred to as “Yes” or “Permissive” burn days regulated by MBUAPCB.
To find out if a day is a burn day call: 1-800-CAL-BURN (225-2876) or visit Monterey Bay Air Resource District – Burn Day Status
Agricultural Burning LE-5/LE-7– Permit Required
To qualify for an agricultural burn permit the following must pertain: The fire must be used for the purpose of initiating, continuing or maintaining agriculture as a gainful occupation. Fuels are limited to materials grown on site and shall not include feed or fertilizer containers, finished or treated wood, plastic or rubber products, plumage, hides, fur, offal or fecal material or refuse from plant or animal processing other than from initial crop harvesting, pruning, or attrition of fruit an nut trees, vine and cane crops.
If you live within the Pajaro Valley Fire District and wish to obtain a burn permit, please visit CAL FIRE General LE-5 or Broadcast Burn LE-7 Permit Site to apply for a permit.
Permits for agricultural burns typically will be issued as follows:
- In State Responsibility Areas permits may be issued between the months of Dec.1 thru April 30 without an inspection, and possibly between April 30 thru Dec.1 for a two week period with an inspection (pending fire season weather).
- In Local Responsibility Area permits may be issued for an entire year without an inspection
BURN PILE INFORMATION LINK
- Backyard Burn Rules Flyer English
- Backyard Burn Rules Flyer Spanish
- Before You Burn Information
- Guidelines for Backyard Burning
- Backyard Burning Safety Tips
Burn Permit Application Links
Contact Information
562 Casserly Rd, Watsonville, CA
Phone: (831) 722-6188