The phase-out of most agricultural burning in the San Joaquin Valley will be complete by January 1, 2025. Prior to requesting an agricultural burn permit, please review the Compliance Assistance Bulletin to determine if your operation/material is still eligible for agricultural burning. As the District strives to meet attainment with strict Federal air quality standards, allocation for agricultural burning has become increasingly limited. The District strongly encourages growers with disposal deadlines to explore alternative means of disposal prior to requesting a burn permit, including the District's Ag Burn Alternatives Grant Program.
New burn permits are issued only to:
Burn permits are only available to commercial farming operations. Trees and vines grown for personal use are not eligible for burning.
Burn permits may be denied at locations where there is potential for smoke to impact sensitive areas such as schools or residences.
Applications for Agricultural Burn Permits are processed over the telephone. District agents may be contacted at:
Agents are available at this line 6am to 11am daily, including weekends, but excluding these holidays: Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
The agent receiving your request will ask you for the following information:
Upon approval, the burn permit will be mailed to the provided mailing address. Upon receipt, please review the permit for completeness and accuracy. Contact us immediately if any information is incorrect. Be certain to read and understand the conditions specified on all pages (front and back) of the Agricultural Burn Permit. You are responsible for complying with all of the permit conditions.
Permit fees are assessed per location on the Burn Permit as required by District Rule 3040. Please see the rule for the current fee amount.
An invoice for the permit is attached to the bottom of the Burn Permit. Please sign, date, and return the invoice stub with the appropriate fees in the provided envelope.
Alternatively, the fee may be paid online (click the "Payment" link above). The information on the invoice is required to submit the online payment. Submitting online payment for the permit implies agreement with the statement on the invoice stub.
The burn permit will be validated when payment is received.
