Enjoy your fire pit safely and legally

Enjoy your fire pit safely and legally
Posted on 04/26/2019
What's wrong with this picture? There's no screen over the fire pit to prevent sparks and embers from flying out.

Are you planning to light up a wood-burning fire pit or chiminea this summer? Recreational burning and the use of portable outdoor fireplaces do not require a permit for use at one- and two-family dwellings, provided that you follow these requirements:

  • Recreational burnings must be contained in an above-ground or below-ground fire pit, or otherwise protected by a metal, stone or concrete barrier.

  • Portable outdoor fireplaces must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

  • You may only burn traditional firewood.

  • Refuse, land clearance materials or similar items may not be burned. You cannot use flammable liquid to ignite the fire.

  • The burn pile may not exceed 2 feet in height and 3 feet in diameter.

  • The recreational burning/portable outdoor fireplace must be covered by a fire pit spark screen or other protective mesh screen designed to keep sparks and embers contained in the fire pit.

  • The fire must be attended at all times while in use and may not cause an unreasonable nuisance or annoyance, or unreasonably interfere with the enjoyment of life or property.

  • It may not be located in city right of way, sidewalks or streets. It must be located at least 15 feet from structures, vehicles or combustible materials.

  • When weather conditions warrant, the fire chief may temporarily prohibit recreational burning or the use of a portable outdoor fireplace.

What's wrong with this picture (above)? There's no screen over the fire pit, which prevents sparks and embers from flying out. 


Published April 26, 2019