Residential Burning
Residential or Backyard Burning is the open burning of yard wastes by household
residents. Backyard burning green waste burn piles include dry weeds, plant prunings,
shrubbery, tree trimmings and branches. Burning of this material creates particulate
matter and air pollution that can cause numerous health effects such as coughing,
headaches or respiratory problems.
The District Rule and How it Affects You
To protect public health, the APCD Board approved revisions to the general burning
rule (Rule 501)
which phased out backyard burning of green waste material in developed areas of San
Luis Obispo County.
Focusing on urbanized areas of the County, the backyard burning restrictions apply
immediately to regions where green waste alternatives are now available.
The communities listed below are currently prohibited from the open burning of green
waste materials:
- Arroyo Grande
- Atascadero
- Avila Beach
- Black Lake
- Cambria
- Cayucos
- Creston
- Edna / Los Ranchos
- Garden Farms
- Grover Beach
- Halcyon
- Heritage Ranch
- Jardine
- Los Osos / Baywood Park
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- Nipomo
- Morro Bay
- Oak Shores
- Oceano
- Paso Robles
- Pismo Beach
- San Luis Obispo
- San Simeon Acres
- Santa Margarita
- San Miguel
- Shandon
- Templeton
- Whitley Gardens
- Woodlands
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We are continuing
our efforts to develop effective alternatives to assist
the residents and communities in managing their green waste materials. Alternatives
include backyard
composting, community chipping and composting programs, and green waste
curbside pickup.
Residents with long driveways and heavy waste wheelers check out
the
Garbage Gorilla TM Waste Wheeler Transport Aide.
For residents who live in areas where backyard burning is still allowed:
Backyard burning is allowed in rural areas of
San Luis Obispo County by PERMIT only.
Backyard
burning is prohibited within cities and Urban Reserve Line or
Village Reserve Line communities. Please contact the Fire
Departments of Arroyo Grande and Atascadero for information on their
special fire hazard burn programs.
How to Receive a Permit:
1) Applications can be obtained from CDF,
libraries, SLOAPCD, and some CSD offices
2) Enclose the $10.00 permit fee with the SLOAPCD copy of the
application
3) Mail application and fee using the postage free envelope
to:
San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control
District, 3433 Roberto Court, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
4) Your application serves as a permit,
effective when fees are received. If your application is denied,
the SLOAPCD will contact you immediately.
Questions? Call the SLOAPCD Enforcement Staff
at 805-781-5912 or e-mail
info@slocleanair.org
On permissive burn
days the following restrictions apply:
- Permissive Burn Days will be determined using a two
zone system, i.e. coastal and inland. More
- Burning may occur only between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
- All green waste materials must be dry (extra precautions must be taken to
account for moisture from recent rains) & free of trash or dirt.
- Green waste must originate on the property where burning occurs.
- Burn piles can not be larger than 4 feet high by 6 feet diameter.
- Burn piles must have adequate clearance from neighboring property (50 ft),
structures (30 ft) and combustible materials (15 ft).
- Burns may not cause a nuisance with smoke and ash to neighbors.
- If you live near a "smoke sensitive site" such as a
school, nursing home or park, you must take extra care to
eliminate potential smoke and ash impacts from your burn.
The California Air Resources Board, California Department of Forestry (CDF) and the
APCD designate permissive burn days. Call the CDF Burn Line at (800) 834-2876 to find
out if the current day is a permissive burn day in your zone.
Contact us for more information on this topic.
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Mission
