Open Burning
Iowa City City Code, which prohibits Open Burning, as well as exceptions, and penalties, can be found here.
Fire Pit Regulations
Open burning for campfires and outdoor cooking is permitted without any burning permit if performed in an approved container constructed of steel, brick, or masonry. Visit the Code for details.
Open burning in portable, outdoor fireplaces is permitted. Visit the Code for details.
International Fire Code (2018)—Locally Adopted Amendments
Section 307
See also 6-6 of this Code.
307.1.2 Hours of Operation
A person shall not maintain any outdoor burning from 11 PM to 7 AM, unless permitted and approved by the fire code official.
Additional Information
For clarity, a “fire pit” includes below-ground pits, freestanding fireplaces, and portable devices intended to contain and control outdoor fires.
All below ground fire pits shall be at least four inches in depth and shall be surrounded on the outside, aboveground, by a non-combustible material such as steel, brick, or masonry. The fire pit cannot exceed three feet in diameter, nor may the fire pile exceed two feet in height.
Fire pits may be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and these regulations:
- Only natural firewood/commercial logs may be burned.
- Burning of lumber, pallets, scrap wood, tree trimmings, leaves, yard waste, paper, cardboard, garbage and similar items is not permitted.
- All fire pits must be located away from any structure or combustible material.
- Below ground fire pits and freestanding fireplaces must be located a minimum of 25 feet away from any structure or combustible material.
- Portable fire pits must be located a minimum of 15 feet away from any structure or combustible material.
- Portable outdoor fireplaces used at one- and two-family dwellings are exempt from these requirements. 2018 IFC Section 307.4.3
- The fire must be constantly attended and supervised until the fire has been completely extinguished.
- A portable fire extinguisher or other approved extinguishing equipment, such as a garden hose, must be readily available.
