How Garland Handles Fire Regulations: A Practical Guide

Garland maintains 154 local ordinances across all categories, and 7 of those deal specifically with fire regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Garland falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Fireworks

Garland prohibits the sale, possession, and discharge of all consumer fireworks within city limits under Code of Ordinances Chapter 26 (Fire Prevention), with violations enforceable as Class C misdemeanors.

Key details: Firecracker Ban: All consumer fireworks banned within Garland city limits. Prohibition: Possession, sale, and discharge all prohibited year-round. Violation Class: Class C misdemeanor with fines up to $2,000. Reporting: Report violations to Garland Fire Marshal or 911 if active fire risk. Professional Display: Professional displays require Fire Marshal permit.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Garland code enforcement](https://library.municode.com/tx/garland) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Compared to other cities, Garland takes a harder line on fireworks. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Wildfire Zones

Garland is not in a designated state wildfire hazard zone, but Texas A&M Forest Service rates parts of east Garland near Lake Ray Hubbard as moderate WUI risk during drought periods.

Key details: No state-designated high: No state-designated high wildfire hazard zone in Garland. Moderate WUI risk: Moderate WUI risk near Lake Ray Hubbard during drought. Dallas County burn: Dallas County burn bans suspend most outdoor burning. Fireworks prohibited within: Fireworks prohibited within Garland year-round. Measurement: 30 ft.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Garland code enforcement](https://texaswildfirerisk.com/) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Smoke Detectors

Garland requires working smoke alarms in every dwelling unit under the adopted International Fire Code and Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 766, with placement in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on each floor.

Key details: Every Bedroom, Outside: Required in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and each floor. New Construction Must: New construction must be hardwired and interconnected with battery backup. Texas Property Code: Texas Property Code requires landlords to provide working alarms. Free Alarms Available: Free alarms available from Garland Fire Department for qualifying residents. Replace Alarms Every: Replace alarms every 10 years; test monthly and replace batteries annually.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Garland code enforcement](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.766.htm) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Brush Clearance

Garland requires property owners to keep weeds, grass, and brush below 12 inches and to clear dead vegetation that creates a fire hazard, particularly near Lake Ray Hubbard greenbelts.

Key details: Height: 12-inch maximum height for weeds and grass. Vegetation: Dead trees and brush hazards must be removed. Limit: Notice of violation: typically 7-10 days to abate. Authority: City contractor mowing + fee liened against property. Limit: Open burning of brush prohibited inside city limits.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Garland code enforcement](https://www.garlandtx.gov/389/Code-Compliance) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Backyard Fires

Garland prohibits open burning of yard waste and trash but allows small recreational fires in approved containers, subject to TCEQ outdoor burning rules and Garland Fire Code requirements.

Key details: Burning Yard Waste,: Burning yard waste, leaves, and trash prohibited (TCEQ rule). Setbacks: Recreational fires limited to 3 feet diameter, 2 feet tall, 25 feet from structures. Only Clean Dry: Only clean dry wood — no trash, leaves, or treated lumber. Fire Must: Fire is attended by adult and fully extinguished. Burn Bans May: Burn bans may be issued during drought; check before burning.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Garland code enforcement](https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/air/rules/outdoor.html) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Outdoor Burning

Garland restricts outdoor burning within city limits per TCEQ rules. DFW ozone nonattainment area applies. Dallas County burn bans during drought. Gas fire pits generally exempt from burn bans.

Key details: Open Burning: Restricted in city. TCEQ Rule: 30 TAC §111.209. Ozone: DFW nonattainment area. Burn Bans: Dallas County issues. Gas Fire Pits: Generally exempt.

TCEQ violations up to $10,000/day. Burn ban violations: Class C misdemeanor up to $500.

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

Fire Pit Rules

Gas and propane fire pits generally allowed in Garland. Wood-burning subject to Dallas County burn bans. Standard safety clearances from structures apply. DFW ozone nonattainment area affects wood-burning recommendations.

Key details: Gas/Propane: Generally allowed. Wood-Burning: Subject to burn bans. Burn Bans: Dallas County issues. Ozone Days: DFW nonattainment. Permits: May need for permanent installs.

Wood burning during burn ban: Class C misdemeanor up to $500.

The Bottom Line

Garland is tougher than many cities when it comes to fire regulations. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Garland, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Garland's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.