Residential Allowable Burning

Residential burning is defined as disposing of dry vegetation by outdoor burning, in a pile, on the property of a one- or two-family dwelling where the vegetation originated or was grown. Burning is allowed only on a permissive burn day and in those areas of Placer County that allow burning. To find out if residential burning is allowed each day, please call 530-889-6868 if you live in the greater Auburn area, or 1-800-998-BURN (2876) toll-free elsewhere in Placer County. Federal holidays are no burn days in Placer County.

An Air District Burn Permit is not required for residential burning, however a fire agency burn permit may be required. Contact your local fire agency before you burn at your residence to find out their requirements.

Other Areas in Placer County with Additional Requirements or Restrictions:
City of Auburn
Granite Bay
Truckee Fire Protection District

The following cities and locations do not allow burning:
City of Rocklin
City of Roseville
City of Lincoln

Those developments where burning is restricted through their Codes, Covenants, and Restrictions, CC&Rs.

The Placer County Air Pollution Control District encourages the use of alternatives instead of burning. Using an alternative to burning can be an excellent way to dispose of the annual growth of vegetation and to also eliminate nuisance smoke.

The District’s Frequently Asked Questions answers common questions about Residential Allowable Burning.

Burning on or at a vacant lot, parcel or a business is not considered residential burning and requires a burn permit from the Air District, if not otherwise prohibited.

On January 1, 2004 the California Air Resources Board’s Toxic Control Measure - Outdoor Residential Waste Burning became effective. This measure prohibits the use of a burn barrel and the burning of cardboard and paper for disposal, however non-glossy cardboard and non-glossy paper can still be used to start a fire. Iowa Hill was granted an exemption in Placer County and can continue to use their burn barrels and burn clean, dry non-glossy paper.

The District has issued numerous advisories regarding the requirements for open burning. These advisories can be reviewed on the District website.