Costa Mesa Burn Bans Rules (2026): What You Need to Know
Heavy RestrictionsKey Facts
- Governing Authority
- SCAQMD Rule 444 — all of Orange County is within SCAQMD jurisdiction
- Open Burning
- Prohibited year-round for all residential and commercial properties
- Residential Burn Permits
- Not available — backyard burning of waste is never permitted
- No-Burn Days
- Mandatory curtailment days prohibit all wood-burning fires, including fire pits and indoor fireplaces
- Season
- No-burn days most common November through March, but can occur year-round
- Exemptions
- Gas and propane devices are exempt from no-burn day restrictions
The Short Version
Costa Mesa falls within the jurisdiction of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), and all open burning within city limits is governed by SCAQMD Rule 444 and related regulations. Open burning of trash, yard waste, construction debris, painted or treated lumber, and all other non-approved materials is prohibited year-round on residential and commercial properties. No residential burn permits are issued in Costa Mesa — backyard burning of waste materials is not allowed under any circumstances. Approved disposal methods include curbside green waste collection through the city's waste hauler and self-hauling to approved facilities. SCQAMD Rule 444 establishes the comprehensive framework for open burning prohibitions throughout the South Coast Air Basin, which includes all of Orange County. The rule prohibits any outdoor fire for the purpose of disposing of combustible refuse, clearing land, or burning agricultural waste without a specific SCAQMD permit, which is not available for residential properties. Recreational fires in approved contained devices using clean fuel are the only exception, and even those are subject to mandatory no-burn day restrictions. SCQAMD declares mandatory no-burn days (also called curtailment days) when air quality conditions indicate that particulate matter concentrations may reach unhealthy levels. No-burn days are most commonly declared between November and March but can occur at any time of year during poor air quality events, including wildfire smoke conditions. On no-burn days, all wood-burning fires — including recreational fires in fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, and indoor wood-burning fireplaces — are prohibited. Gas-fueled and propane-fueled devices remain permitted during no-burn days. Residents can check no-burn status at aqmd.gov, by calling (866) 966-3293, or through the SCAQMD mobile app.
Full Breakdown
Costa Mesa falls within the jurisdiction of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), and all open burning within city limits is governed by SCAQMD Rule 444 and related regulations. Open burning of trash, yard waste, construction debris, painted or treated lumber, and all other non-approved materials is prohibited year-round on residential and commercial properties. No residential burn permits are issued in Costa Mesa — backyard burning of waste materials is not allowed under any circumstances. Approved disposal methods include curbside green waste collection through the city's waste hauler and self-hauling to approved facilities.
SCQAMD Rule 444 establishes the comprehensive framework for open burning prohibitions throughout the South Coast Air Basin, which includes all of Orange County. The rule prohibits any outdoor fire for the purpose of disposing of combustible refuse, clearing land, or burning agricultural waste without a specific SCAQMD permit, which is not available for residential properties. Recreational fires in approved contained devices using clean fuel are the only exception, and even those are subject to mandatory no-burn day restrictions.
SCQAMD declares mandatory no-burn days (also called curtailment days) when air quality conditions indicate that particulate matter concentrations may reach unhealthy levels. No-burn days are most commonly declared between November and March but can occur at any time of year during poor air quality events, including wildfire smoke conditions. On no-burn days, all wood-burning fires — including recreational fires in fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, and indoor wood-burning fireplaces — are prohibited. Gas-fueled and propane-fueled devices remain permitted during no-burn days. Residents can check no-burn status at aqmd.gov, by calling (866) 966-3293, or through the SCAQMD mobile app.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Illegal open burning in Costa Mesa carries local code fines starting at $250 for a first offense. SCAQMD violations of Rule 444 carry separate administrative penalties starting at $750 per day per violation for residential properties, with penalties increasing significantly for repeat violations. SCAQMD enforcement operates independently of local code enforcement, meaning a single burning incident can result in both local and SCAQMD penalties. Violation of a mandatory no-burn day carries a SCAQMD fine of $50 for a first offense within any 12-month period, escalating to $500 for a second offense and up to $1,000 for a third and subsequent offenses. These fines apply to each occurrence and are assessed directly by SCAQMD. Burning that causes a fire hazard, property damage, or injury may result in criminal charges under California Health and Safety Code and Penal Code provisions, including reckless burning (Penal Code Section 452). Responsible parties may also face civil liability for all fire suppression costs and property damages. The Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue Department responds to open burning complaints and coordinates with SCAQMD on enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in my backyard in Costa Mesa?
What is a SCAQMD no-burn day and does it apply in Costa Mesa?
Can I use a gas fire pit on a no-burn day in Costa Mesa?
How does Costa Mesa compare?
See how Costa Mesa's burn bans rules stack up against other locations.