Backyard Burning

Backyard Burning is the open burning of yard wastes by single family households or duplex 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 in 2000 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 to regions where green waste alternatives are available.
The cities and communities listed below are currently prohibited from the open burning of green waste materials:

*Please contact the Fire Departments of Arroyo Grande and Atascadero for information on their special fire hazard burn programs.

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.

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 cannot 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 and Fire Prevention (CAL FIRE) and the APCD designate permissive burn days. Call the APCD Burn Line at (800) 834-2876 to find out if the current day is a permissive burn day in your zone.

For residents who live in areas where backyard burning is still allowed, find more information on how to obtain a burn permit here!

Contact us for more information on this topic.