Fire Regulations in Richardson, TX

If you live in Richardson or are thinking about moving there, fire regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Richardson has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fire regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Outdoor Burning

Richardson's Fire Code amendments prohibit open burning and bonfires outright citywide, extend any Collin or Dallas County burn ban into the city automatically, and let the fire code official order any open burning extinguished.

Key details: Open burning: Prohibited outright, Section 307.1.1. Bonfires: Prohibited outright, Section 307.4.1. County burn ban: Auto-extends to Richardson (Collin/Dallas). Firepit clearance: 10 feet from structure/combustibles. Extinguisher requirement: Minimum 4-A rating, must be on-site.

Open burning of any kind is prohibited under amended Section 307.1.1, and bonfires are separately and flatly banned under Section 307.4.1, with no exception built into either provision. The fire code official can order any open burning extinguished by the property owner, another responsible person, or the fire department under Section 307.3. An unattended recreational fire, or one lacking the required 4-A extinguisher or equivalent extinguishing material on site, violates Section 307.5, and a permanent outdoor firepit built closer than ten feet to a structure or combustible material violates Section 307.4.4.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Richardson actively enforces its outdoor burning requirements.

Smoke Detectors

Richardson adopts the International Fire Code (2021 Edition) per Sec. 8-27, which requires smoke alarms in all residential units. Texas Property Code Sec. 92.255 also requires landlords to provide working smoke alarms in rental properties.

Key details: Code: IFC 2021 (Sec. 8-27). Location: Every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, every level. Rentals: TX Property Code §92.255. CO Detectors: Required with fuel-burning appliances.

Failure to install or maintain smoke alarms may result in fire code violations. Landlords who fail to provide working smoke alarms face liability under Texas Property Code.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Richardson gives residents more flexibility on smoke detectors.

Fire Pits & Backyard Fires

Richardson bans bonfires outright and requires any permanently installed outdoor firepit to sit at least 10 feet from a structure or combustible material. Recreational fires and outdoor fireplaces must be constantly attended and backed by a fire extinguisher until fully out.

Key details: Firepit setback: 10 feet from structure/combustibles. Bonfires: Prohibited outright. Attendance: Constant, until extinguished. On-site equipment: 4-A extinguisher or equivalent. Max fine: $2,000 for fire-safety violations.

Violating the fire code's open-burning and firepit-location rules is a Code of Ordinances offense punishable under the general penalty at Sec. 1-8: a fine up to $2,000.00 applies specifically to violations of fire-safety provisions, higher than the standard $500.00 cap for other Code violations. Each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense, and the fire code official can independently order the fire extinguished under Section 307.3 regardless of any citation.

The Bottom Line

Richardson'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 Richardson is broadly strict or permissive.

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