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1. What is land development burning?

It is the use of open outdoor fires for the disposal of vegetation grown on property being developed for commercial or residential purposes.

2. Do I need a burn permit from the Air Pollution Control District?

An air district burn permit is required for land development burning. An air district burn permit is only issued for vegetation removed for residential development purposes from the property of a single or two family dwelling or when the burn permit applicant has provided a demonstration. A demonstration needs to be made that there is no practical alternative that can be used in lieu of burning to dispose of the vegetation. In addition to other information provided in the application, the demonstration shall include a discussion of the availability and feasibility of the alternatives to open burning, including:

• Implementation costs
• Efforts made to reduce the quantity of material to be burned
• The impact of burning upon air quality conditions
• Such other factors that warrant inclusion such as weather considerations, topography, and hazardous fire conditions

Fire Agency Burn Permits may also be required. Contact your local fire agency for further information.

3. What can be burned?

Only vegetation originating on the premises and reasonably free of dirt, soil, and visible surface moisture can be burned. The burning of poison oak (toxicodendron diversilobum) or oleander (nerium oleander) may be subject to additional permit conditions. You cannot move material from one location to another location for burning.

4. What are illegal-disallowed combustibles?

These are some of the materials which are illegal to burn. Smoke from burning them can contain harmful chemicals, which may cause illness.

• Asphalt Shingle
• Construction Debris
• Dimensioned Lumber
• Garbage or Rubbish
• Metal
• Paints or Coatings
• Plastics
• Rubber Insulation
• Tar
• Tar Paper
• Tires
• Wire

5. Are there alternatives to burning?

Alternatives include:

• California Materials Exchange Program, matching people with things to dispose of - like doors, windows, glass, or plastic items, with people who need the same items
• California Restore Directory
• Compost, mulch, chip or shred branches, vegetation, leaves, or pine needles
• Firewood larger branches and wood
• Freecycle, a grass roots exchange focusing on local communities
• Recycle cardboard and paper

View more information on alternatives to burning.

6. Once I have an air pollution permit, how should I burn my material?

All material must be dry and reasonably free from dirt, soil, and surface moisture. Burning dry material takes less effort, creates less smoke, and may not cause a nuisance or complaints.

Material Size Drying Times

• Fine prunings or cuttings less than 3 inches in diameter - 15 days
• Smaller than 6 inches in diameter - 3 to 6 weeks
• Greater than 6 inches in diameter - 6 weeks

Burning Process

Only material that amount of vegetation that can be reasonably expected to burn before the next day. Before it rains, prevent your material from getting wet by covering it with a tarp. If you pile is wet, let it dry a few days. Burn in a manner to prevent excessive smoke. Excessive smoke is that which causes a nuisance.

Vegetation shall be stacked in such a manner to promote drying and ensure combustion with a minimum amount of smoke. Burning shall be curtailed when smoke is drifting into a nearby populated area or when it is or may become a nuisance or hazard. Vegetation to be burned should be ignited as practicable with applicable fire control restrictions.

7. Can I burn stumps or larger vegetation?

Vegetation or stumps greater than 12 inches in diameter shall not be burned unless they are split smaller than 12 inches in diameter and are free from dirt. The drying time for vegetation greater than 6 inches applies.

8. When can I burn?

All burning must take place on a burn day. All Federal Holidays are no burn days. For Burn Day information, please call:

• The Auburn Local Calling Area: 530-889-6868
• Toll Free in Placer County: 800-998-2876
  • The toll-free number is only for landlines in Placer County

9. Who can I contact for information on burning and air quality?

Contact the Placer County Air Pollution Control District.