Fire Regulations in Lower Merion, PA (2026)
5 verified fire regulations for Lower Merion, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
A bonfire, campfire or other unencased recreational fire is allowed in Lower Merion Township only with a paid permit from the Chief Fire Officer, who must first inspect the property. The safe burning area must sit at least 50 feet from any combustible structure and the street, and 25 feet from the property line.
Lower Merion Recreational Fire Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsLower Merion Township Code § 78-13.B
§ 78-13. Open burning. ... B. A bonfire, campfire or other unencased recreational fire is permitted subject to the following: (1) A permit issued by the Chief Fire Officer or his duly authorized representative, for which an application fee shall be charged, is required before any such burning is permitted. ... A safe area for burning is no less than 50 feet from a combustible structure, 50 feet...
Fireworks
Lower Merion Township bars fireworks in its parks outright and charges a permit fee anywhere else in the Township. Code § 109-16 makes it unlawful to use firecrackers, fireworks or rockets in any Township park, while the Township's Schedule of Fees lists a $150 fireworks permit fee under Chapter 78, Fire Prevention, for occurrences elsewhere. Violating the park ban is a summary offense carrying up to a $600 fine under § 109-21.
Fireworks Banned in Lower Merion Parks
Significant RestrictionsLower Merion Township Code § 109-16; Schedule of Fees § A167-1
§ 109-16. Discharge of a firearm or bow; dangerous athletic implements; fireworks. ... Township parks shall be posted to prohibit the discharge of a firearm or bow except where authorized by the Board of Commissioners. The promiscuous use in a park of javelins, discuses or similar athletic equipment dangerous in character is prohibited unless used under the direct supervision of an authorized p...
Outdoor Burning
Lower Merion Township bans open burning of rubbish, refuse, leaves, tree branches and yard trimmings on any street or private property, including at building operations or open dumps. The Fire Marshal's office enforces the ban under Chapter 78 of the Township Code, with fines starting at $200 per violation.
Lower Merion Open Burning Ban
Significant RestrictionsLower Merion Township Code § 78-13.A
§ 78-13. Open burning. ... A. No person shall cause, allow, permit or maintain the open burning of rubbish, refuse, leaves, tree branches or yard trimmings on a street or on private property, whether in connection with any building operation, in an open dump or otherwise. ... ... E. Burning in violation of this chapter is subject to a minimum fine of $200. If a fire company is dispatched, the m...
Smoke Detectors
Before closing on a Lower Merion property sale, the seller must certify to the buyer that smoke detectors are installed as required by the township's Fire Prevention and Property Maintenance chapters and are working properly. Selling without that certification, when the property fails to meet it, carries a civil fine of up to $600 under Chapter 119.
Lower Merion Smoke Detector Certification
Some RestrictionsLower Merion Township Code § 119-6
§ 119-6. Certification; civil penalties. ... ... E. Smoke detector installation. ... The owners shall certify that smoke detectors have been installed as required by Chapters 78 and 92 of the Township Code and that such smoke detectors are properly functioning. ... ... H. Penalties. ... (2) Any owner who shall fail to provide the purchaser with the certifications required by this section and wh...
Propane Storage
Lower Merion requires bulk liquefied petroleum gas storage to follow the International Fire Code, and separately bans storing charcoal, lighter fluid or propane inside any multifamily dwelling in the Township, keeping fuel out of shared residential buildings.
Lower Merion Propane Storage Rules
Some RestrictionsLower Merion Township Code §§ 78-17, 78-29.1.B
§ 78-17. Bulk storage of liquefied petroleum gases. ... The bulk storage of liquefied petroleum gases will be in compliance with the International Fire Code. § 78- ... 29.1. ... Outside cooking and fireplaces. ... ... B. Charcoal, charcoal lighter fluid and/or propane shall not be stored in any multifamily dwelling in Lower Merion Township.
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