Fire Regulations in Ann Arbor, MI

Ann Arbor maintains 85 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with fire regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Ann Arbor falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Fire Pits & Backyard Fires

Ann Arbor allows backyard campfires and fire pits only if they create no smoke nuisance and comply with the city's Fire Prevention Code section on open fires.

Key details: Allowed use: Campfires, recreational fire pits. Condition 1: No smoke violation or nuisance. Condition 2: Must comply with Fire Code § F-2910.13. Codified at: City Code § 9:304(3), Ch. 116.

Violating Chapter 116 carries a fine up to $500 plus prosecution costs or imprisonment up to 90 days under § 9:309, in addition to any separate Fire Code penalties for noncompliant containment.

Smoke Detectors

Ann Arbor's Housing Code bars renting out any dwelling unit lacking smoke or fire detectors and, in most one- and two-family homes, carbon monoxide detectors, with mandatory testing at every tenant change.

Key details: Citation: § 8:527. Applies to: All rental dwelling units. CO detectors: Required w/ gas appliance or garage. Tested: At every tenant change. Tampering penalty: Misdemeanor, up to 90 days jail.

Failing to equip or maintain the required detectors is a civil infraction fined up to $500.00; willfully disabling a smoke, fire, or carbon monoxide detector is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a $500.00 fine, per § 8:527(4).

This is one of the stricter rules in Ann Arbor's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Outdoor Burning

Ann Arbor bans open burning by default and permits it only for three narrow, enumerated reasons under the city's Air Quality Control ordinance.

Key details: Default rule: Open burning prohibited. Permitted uses: Official duty, cooking, recreational fires only. Enforcing office: Planning & Development Services unit. Max penalty: $500 fine / 90 days jail. Codified at: City Code § 9:304, Ch. 116.

Violating Chapter 116 is punishable by a fine up to $500 plus prosecution costs or imprisonment up to 90 days; each day of continued violation is a separate offense under § 9:309.

Compared to other cities, Ann Arbor takes a harder line on outdoor burning. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Fireworks

Ann Arbor limits consumer fireworks to set hours on New Year's Day and other national holidays, plus the day before and after each; any other ignition, discharge, or use is banned under City Code § 9:266.

Key details: Citation: § 9:266. Legal basis: Michigan Fireworks Safety Act. Allowed hours: 8am-11:59pm on holidays, +/-1 day. New Year's: Extra midnight-1am window. Default penalty: Up to $500 fine / 90 days jail.

Section 9:266 states no penalty of its own, so it falls to City Code § 1:13's default: a fine up to $500.00 and/or up to 90 days in jail, with each day of unlawful use a separate offense.

The Bottom Line

Ann Arbor is tougher than many cities when it comes to fire regulations. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Ann Arbor, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Ann Arbor's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.