Fire Regulations in Arlington Heights, IL

If you live in Arlington Heights or are thinking about moving there, fire regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Arlington Heights has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fire regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Fire Pits & Backyard Fires

Arlington Heights amends the 2018 International Fire Code to define a bonfire as any outdoor fire with a fuel area over 3 feet across or 2 feet tall, and requires open burning fuel to be seasoned firewood, never used for waste disposal. The Zoning Code confines fire pits to rear yards only.

Key details: Local bonfire definition: >3 ft. diameter or 2 ft. height (§ 27-102). Open burning fuel: Seasoned firewood only, no waste. Barbecue-pit exception: Deleted from IFC 307.4.1 locally. Portable outdoor fireplaces: Allowed at detached single-family homes. Fire pit zoning location: Rear yard only (§ 28-6, 6.6-5.1).

An open fire that does not meet the Village's bonfire definition or fuel restrictions, or one placed outside the distance and structural requirements carried over from IFC 307.4.1, is a fire code violation. Section 110.4, as locally amended, sets the fire code violation fine at $750.00 with seven days allowed to correct the condition, and Section 112.4 sets a fine of not less than $250.00 nor more than $750.00 for failing to comply with a Fire Code Official's order. Placing a fire pit outside a required rear yard also violates the Zoning Code's Table of Permitted Obstructions in Section 28-6.

Outdoor Burning

Arlington Heights, Illinois (Cook County) declares the burning of leaves, solid waste, or the maintenance of any bonfire within Village limits a public nuisance under Section 19-204, and makes it unlawful to cause or knowingly permit that burning. A related smoke and particulate ban targets any fire, chimney, engine or oil burner emission that endangers public health or comfort.

Key details: Leaf/bonfire burning: Declared a public nuisance (§19-204). Solid waste burning: Banned except with fire-prevention authorization (§19-112a). Penalty: $5-$750 per offense (§19-701b). Continuing violation: Each day counts as a separate offense. Abatement: Village Manager may act after 7-day notice.

A violation of Section 19-204's burning or nuisance smoke provisions falls under Chapter 19's general penalty, Section 19-701(b): a fine of not less than $5.00 nor more than $750.00 per offense, with a separate offense deemed committed for each day the violation continues or is permitted to continue. The Village Manager can also order direct abatement and lien the property under Section 19-208 if a burning-related nuisance goes uncorrected.

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

The Bottom Line

Arlington Heights's fire regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Arlington Heights is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Arlington Heights's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.