Fire Regulations in Norfolk, VA (2026)
7 verified fire regulations for Norfolk, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pit Rules
Norfolk allows residential fire pits under Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code Section 307. Recreational fires must be under 3 feet in diameter, 2 feet tall, and at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material per IFC 307.4.2.
Fire: Fire Pit Rules
Some RestrictionsFireworks
Norfolk prohibits all consumer fireworks within city limits despite Virginia state permissiveness. Only fireworks approved by the Fire Marshal for public displays are allowed. Violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor under VA Code 27-97.
Fire: Fireworks
Heavy RestrictionsVa. Code § 27-97
§ 27-97 . Adoption of Fire Prevention Code. The Board of Housing and Community Development is hereby empowered to adopt and promulgate a Statewide Fire Prevention Code which shall be cooperatively developed with the Fire Services Board pursuant to procedures agreed to by the two Boards. The Fire Prevention Code shall prescribe regulations to be complied with for the protection of life and prope...
Brush Clearance
Norfolk requires property owners to maintain lots free of excessive brush, dead vegetation, and combustible debris under City Code Chapter 27 (Weeds and Grass). Fire Marshal can order clearance when conditions pose wildfire or arson risk.
Fire: Brush Clearance
Some RestrictionsOutdoor Burning
Norfolk prohibits most open burning within city limits under City Code Chapter 16 and the Virginia Statewide Air Pollution Control Regulations. The Virginia 4 PM Burn Law (Feb 15 to April 30) applies but is largely superseded by the urban burn ban.
Fire: Outdoor Burning
Heavy RestrictionsVa. Code § 10.1-1142 (Regulating the Burning of Woods, Brush, etc.)
§ 10.1-1142 . Regulating the burning of woods, brush, etc.; penalties. A. It shall be unlawful for any owner or lessee of land to set fire to, or to procure another to set fire to, any woods, brush, logs, leaves, grass, debris, or other inflammable material upon such land unless he previously has taken all reasonable care and precaution, by having cut and piled the same or carefully cleared aro...
Wildfire Zones
Norfolk is not designated a high-risk wildfire zone by the Virginia Department of Forestry. The urbanized coastal geography and limited wildland interface keep wildfire risk low, though VDOF still tracks brush fire statistics citywide.
Fire: Wildfire Zones
Few RestrictionsSmoke Detectors
Norfolk requires working smoke detectors in all residential dwellings under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and VA Code 15.2-922. Rental properties must have hardwired or 10-year sealed battery detectors with Fire Marshal inspection available.
Fire: Smoke Detectors
Heavy RestrictionsVa. Code § 55.1-1220 (Landlord to Maintain Fit Premises — Smoke Alarms)
Provide a certificate to the tenant stating that all smoke alarms are present, have been inspected, and are in good working order no more than once every 12 months. The landlord, his employee, or an independent contractor may perform the inspection to determine that the smoke alarm is in good working order. B. The landlord shall perform the duties imposed by subsection A in accordance with law;...
Backyard Fires
Backyard recreational fires are allowed in Norfolk under IFC 307.4.2 with the same rules as fire pits: under 3 feet diameter, 2 feet tall, 25 feet from structures. No permit required. Complaints of excessive smoke can trigger extinguishment orders.
Fire: Backyard Fires
Some RestrictionsLooking for Norfolk City county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Norfolk city rules.
Fire Regulations in Norfolk City →