Santa Paula Burn Bans Rules (2026): What You Need to Know
Heavy RestrictionsThe Short Version
Outdoor burning in Santa Paula is regulated by the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD), which issues daily Burn Day determinations based on meteorological conditions and air quality forecasts. On No-Burn Days — which are common from November through February — residential wood burning in fireplaces and wood stoves is prohibited or restricted within the VCAPCD jurisdiction. The City of Santa Paula, located in Ventura County's Santa Clara River valley, is subject to these county-wide burn rules. Open burning of yard waste, agricultural debris, and trash is separately controlled by VCAPCD Rule 57 and generally requires a permit.
Full Breakdown
Santa Paula falls entirely within the jurisdiction of the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD), which serves as the local air quality management agency. Unlike cities in Los Angeles County that are governed by SCAQMD, Santa Paula and all other Ventura County municipalities are subject to VCAPCD rules. The VCAPCD operates a Burn Day program under which each day is designated as a Burn Day or a No-Burn Day based on a forecast of atmospheric dispersion conditions, wind patterns, and baseline particulate matter levels in the air basin. On No-Burn Days, residential wood burning — including fireplaces, wood stoves, wood pellet stoves, and outdoor fire pits burning wood — is prohibited or subject to restrictions. Residents must check the VCAPCD Burn Day status online or by phone before lighting any fire.
Open burning — meaning the burning of yard trimmings, agricultural prunings, orchard removals, or field crop residue in the open air — requires a permit from the VCAPCD under Rule 57 and is only allowed on designated Burn Days. Agricultural burning of orchard prunings is historically significant in the Santa Paula area, given the city's citrus and avocado farming heritage in the Santa Clara River valley. Burn permits must be obtained in advance and burning must cease when conditions deteriorate. The VCAPCD may revoke or suspend burns mid-day if air quality deteriorates.
Burning of any trash, garbage, treated or painted wood, plastics, rubber, or household waste is strictly prohibited at all times under VCAPCD Rule 57 and California Health and Safety Code regardless of Burn Day status. The Santa Paula Fire Department enforces local fire safety during any permitted outdoor burning and may require clearance of combustible vegetation around burn areas consistent with the city's position in a fire-risk corridor. Given Santa Paula's proximity to wildland-urban interface areas — dramatically illustrated during the 2017 Thomas Fire, which started near the city — all outdoor burning activities carry heightened risk and scrutiny.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Burning on a No-Burn Day in violation of VCAPCD rules can result in a Notice of Violation and fines of up to $1,000 per day per violation for the first offense, escalating for repeat violations. Open burning without a required permit may result in permit denial for future seasons in addition to monetary penalties. The Santa Paula Fire Department may issue citations and require immediate extinguishment of any open fire that violates local fire safety requirements or creates an imminent hazard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides if I can burn wood in my fireplace in Santa Paula?
Can I burn yard waste, tree trimmings, or agricultural debris in Santa Paula?
Are gas fireplaces and pellet stoves subject to No-Burn Day restrictions?
Sources & Official References
Related Ordinances in Santa Paula
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