Mandatory Residential Burn Permits Coming to Unincorporated Santa Cruz County
Starting December 1, 2025, residents in the unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County will need a CAL FIRE Residential Burn Permit to conduct any backyard debris burning. The new requirement, announced jointly by Santa Cruz County and the CAL FIRE San Mateo–Santa Cruz Unit (CAL FIRE CZU), standardizes burn regulations countywide and marks a significant shift from past practices. Residential burn permits are available at no cost.
CAL FIRE officials are asking residents to review the updated rules early to ensure a smooth transition. “This is a crucial step for fire safety across Santa Cruz County,” said CAL FIRE CZU Prevention Bureau Chief Colby Simms. “We are focused on educating our communities to make this transition as smooth as possible. The good news is that we’ve made the permitting process much simpler and more convenient.”
A key improvement is that the burn permit can now be requested and received entirely online. To apply, residents can visit Burnpermit.fire.ca.gov and follow the on-screen instructions, which include selecting Santa Cruz County, entering a burn location, completing required questions, watching a short informational video, and signing the form electronically. Approved permits are typically emailed within minutes. Applicants must print and keep a physical copy on hand.
Burning Rules and Safety Requirements
Once a permit is issued, residents must follow several safety rules:
- Keep the printed permit on site while burning.
- Stay with the burn pile at all times until it is fully extinguished.
- Burn only dry, dead natural vegetation from the property. Trash, lumber, or other materials are not allowed.
- Limit piles to 4 feet by 4 feet.
- Have a water source and hand tools, such as shovels, ready at the burn site.
- Ensure the fire is completely out — cold to the touch — by soaking, stirring, and re-soaking the ash until no heat or smoke remains.
CAL FIRE reminds residents that violating permit conditions or burning improperly may result in law enforcement action. If a fire escapes and damages nearby property, the responsible party may also face civil liability.
For more information and to apply for a permit at no cost, visit Burnpermit.fire.ca.gov
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