How Cherry Hill Handles Fire Regulations: A Practical Guide
Cherry Hill maintains 93 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with fire regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Cherry Hill falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
Cherry Hill Township allows recreational outdoor fires only in an approved fire pit, chiminea or outdoor fireplace no larger than 3 feet across and 2 feet high, kept 20 feet from property lines and 15 feet from any combustible structure, and bans them outright at R-2 use properties.
Key details: Max fire pit size: 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height. Property line setback: 20 feet. Structure setback: 15 feet. Allowed fuel: Seasoned wood, natural gas, propane. Prohibited use group: R-2 (multi-family).
An outdoor fire that exceeds the 3-foot diameter/2-foot height limit, burns unapproved fuel, sits closer than 20 feet to a property line or 15 feet to a structure, or burns at all on R-2 property is prohibited under § 16-1.11.d(5). Unless another penalty is expressly stated, § 16-1.6 sets the fire chapter's default penalty at a fine not to exceed $50.00 or imprisonment not to exceed 15 days, or both, and Police or Fire Department officers are authorized to issue a municipal summons for the offense.
Fireworks
Cherry Hill Township bans possessing, exploding or discharging firecrackers, torpedoes, rockets or other fireworks in any township park, though the Recreation Department can issue a permit for a properly supervised public fireworks display in a designated park area.
Key details: Where: Township parks and recreation areas. Rule: Possession/discharge banned. Exception: Recreation Dept. permit for supervised display. Max penalty: $2,000 fine / 90 days. Enforcement: Police + park attendants.
A violation of Section 22-1.7 is punishable under the Chapter 22 general penalty at Section 22-3.2 and the citywide Section 1-5 schedule: up to a $2,000 fine, up to 90 days' imprisonment, or up to 90 days of community service, plus liability for repair or restoration of any park property damaged by the fireworks. Police and Recreation Department attendants may eject and confiscate the fireworks on the spot under Section 22-3.1.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Cherry Hill actively enforces its fireworks requirements.
Smoke Detectors
Cherry Hill Township's Fire Prevention Code requires listed smoke detectors in every hotel and multiple dwelling, placed within ten feet of each sleeping area's exit door. Owners must maintain, test and tag the units, and common areas that fall short of Uniform Construction Code life-safety minimums need interconnected detection systems too.
Key details: Required in: all hotels and multiple dwellings. Detector type: UL/FM-listed ionization or photoelectric. Alarm volume: minimum 85 dBA at 10 feet. Location: within 10 feet of sleeping-area exit door. Photoelectric required: if within 5 feet of kitchen/bath.
Failure to install or maintain required detectors is enforced by the Fire Marshal's Office through Uniform Fire Safety Act inspections covering Chapter 16. The chapter's general penalty clause, § 16-1.11(a)(5), exposes an owner to a fine of up to $50.00, up to fifteen days' imprisonment, or both, absent a stricter penalty fixed by state statute.
The Bottom Line
Cherry Hill'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 Cherry Hill is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that Cherry Hill can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.