Burn Permit Information

Changes to the Agricultural and Backyard Burn Permit Program

• To obtain a 2-part burn permit form, see this list of the numerous county-wide distribution locations, or download a mail-in only application to obtain a burn permit.
• Agricultural and Backyard Burn Permit fees for the 2011/2012 season have increased to $50.
• More information on Burning

Which Type of Burn Permit Can I Qualify For?

Backyard Burn Permits

• Backyard burning is allowed in rural areas of San Luis Obispo County by PERMIT only during the burn season, which runs from November 14, 2011 through April 30, 2012.
• Backyard burning is the burning of green waste material by occupants of one- and two-family dwellings outside of Urban Reserve Line (URL) or Village Reserve LIne (VRL) areas. This type of burning is also known as “dooryard” or “green waste” burning.
• Backyard burning is prohibited within city limits and URL or VRL communities.
• If you do not know if you live insdie a URL or VRL, you can use the County Planning Department maps or contact the SLOAPCD Enforcement staff at the phone number below. Please contact the Fire Departments of Arroyo Grande and Atascadero for information on their special fire hazard burn programs.
• Download a mail-in only Application.

Agricultural Burn Permits

• Agricultural burning is allowed in rural areas of San Luis Obispo County by PERMIT only during the burn season, which runs from November 14, 2011 through April 30, 2012 and during fire season with special considerations.  Please contact APCD’s Enforcement Division for details.
• Agricultural burning is open outdoor fires used in agricultural operations in the growing of crops or raising of fowl or animals, used in vegetation management, forest management, range improvement, the improvement of land for wildlife and game habitat, or agricultural disease or pest prevention. Income is derived solely or partially from agricultural practices on property where the burn is located; a Farmers’ Market Certificate will also be sufficient proof of agricultural income.
• Download a mail-in only Application.

General Instructions on How to Receive a Burn Permit

2-part Burn Permit Form (Locations)

1) Fill out a regular 2-part Burn Permit Form.
2) Enclose $50.00 permit fee and the yellow copy of the 2-part form.
3) Mail the yellow copy of the 2-part form and fee to: San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District, 3433 Roberto Court, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
4) The white Applicant’s copy of the 2-part form serves as your Burn Permit, effective when fees are received. If your application is denied, the SLOAPCD will contact you immediately.

Mail-in Only Application (Ag. ) (Backyard)

1) Complete all sections of this application, print, and sign the application.
2) Enclose $50.00 permit fee with the application.
3) Mail application and fee to:
San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District
3433 Roberto Court
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
4) After payment of the fee, please allow a minimum of five (5) business days for the APCD to issue your Burn Permit and send it to you via email or U.S. Mail if an email is not provided and/or legible.

For more information on Burning click here.

Where can I get a burn permit application?

For questions, please contact the APCD Enforcement staff at 805.781.5912