No. Open burning in California is broadly prohibited under state and local air quality laws, with limited exceptions for agricultural, silvicultural, and disaster-related burns. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and local Air Pollution Control Districts (APCDs) enforce strict permitting and seasonal restrictions, while Senate Bill 1290 (2022) tightens oversight ahead of 2026 compliance deadlines.
Key Regulations for Open Burning in California
- Permitting Requirements: All open burning requires prior approval from the local APCD (e.g., Bay Area Air Quality Management District, South Coast AQMD), with permits denied for burns violating state or federal standards.
- Seasonal and Weather Restrictions: Burning is typically banned during high-pollution alerts (e.g., Spare the Air days) and in nonattainment areas like the San Joaquin Valley, where particulate matter (PM2.5) levels frequently exceed federal limits.
- Prohibited Materials: Burning household waste, treated wood, plastics, or construction debris is illegal statewide; only clean, untreated agricultural or forestry waste may qualify under narrow exemptions.
Local agencies may impose additional constraints, such as buffer zones near sensitive receptors (e.g., schools, hospitals) or mandatory use of burn barrels with emission controls. Violations trigger penalties under the California Health and Safety Code § 41801–41860, including fines up to $10,000 per day. The 2026 CARB scoping plan further restricts agricultural burns, mandating alternatives like chipping or composting to reduce ozone precursors.