Fire Regulations in Rochester, MN (2026)
3 verified fire regulations for Rochester, Minnesota, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
Rochester's fire code defines a lawful recreational fire in section 8-2-2(c): fuel no larger than three feet across and two feet tall, kept at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, attended at all times, and built only for pleasure, religious, ceremonial or cooking purposes, never to burn trees, brush or yard waste.
Rochester, MN Recreational Fire Rules
Some RestrictionsRochester City Code § 8-2-2(c)
(c)Recreational fire. The term "recreational fire," when used in the fire code, shall meet the following restrictions:(1)Shall only be for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking or similar purpose. Shall not be for the disposal of trees, brush, vegetation or other materials.(2)The fuel shall not be greater than three feet in diameter and two feet in height.(3)Shall not be conducted within 25 ...
Outdoor Burning
Rochester requires a fire department operational permit before any open burning of vegetation, brush, trees, or land-clearing debris. The permit costs $300 per location plus a $75 application fee, runs 30 days, and can be extended. Burning without one is a misdemeanor. Small recreational fires under 3 feet across are exempt if kept 25 feet from structures.
Rochester Requires a Permit for Open Burning
Significant RestrictionsRochester City Code § 8-2-6(b)
A fire department operational permit for open burning shall be valid for a period of 30 days or such time period as designated on the permit. If the open burning activity continues for greater than 30 days, the permit may be extended for an additional 30 days at the discretion of the fire code official. A permit fee as specified in section 8-2-4(f) for each open burning permit shall be charged ...
Smoke Detectors
Rochester requires single- and multiple-station smoke alarms in every Group R dwelling under Code sections 7-8-38 through 7-8-47, covering sleeping areas, egress paths and every story including basements. Alarms must be tested per the manufacturer's instructions and replaced within ten years of their manufacture date, or immediately if that date cannot be determined.
Rochester, MN Smoke Alarm Requirements
Some RestrictionsRochester City Code §§ 7-8-38, 7-8-47
Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed in existing Group I-1 and R occupancies in accordance with sections 7-8-39 through 7-8-45. ... Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be tested and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Smoke alarms that do not function shall be replaced. Smoke alarms installed in one- and two-family dwellings shall b...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Rochester city rules.
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