Fire Regulations in Sterling Heights, MI (2026)
4 verified fire regulations for Sterling Heights, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
Sterling Heights caps recreational fires at 4 feet in diameter and 2 feet high, burning no longer than 4 hours, under the city's local amendments to the adopted International Fire Code.
Sterling Heights Backyard Fire Size Limit
Some RestrictionsSterling Heights Code of Ordinances § 20-23 (IFC § 307.4.2, as locally amended)
307.4.2 Recreational fire dimensions, duration, and location. A recreational fire shall have a fuel area of 4 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height and shall not burn longer than 4 hours. The location of a recreational fire shall be in accordance with Section 307.4.
Fireworks
Sterling Heights bans consumer fireworks except during set holiday windows, New Year's, Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, and June 29 through July 4, with a $1,000 civil fine per violation.
Sterling Heights Fireworks Discharge Rules
Significant RestrictionsSterling Heights Code of Ordinances § 20-115(E)
(E) (1) Consumer fireworks shall not be ignited, discharged, or used in the city. An individual who violates this subsection is responsible for a municipal civil infraction punishable by a fine of $1,000 for each violation... (2) Exceptions. Consumer fireworks may be ignited, discharged, or used in the city: ... (c) Between 11:00 a.m. and 11:45 p.m. on June 29 to July 4;
Outdoor Burning
Open burning is banned in Sterling Heights unless it fits a narrow exempt list or the fire code official issues a bonfire or recreational-fire permit filed ten days ahead.
Sterling Heights Open Burning Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsSterling Heights Fire Prevention Code § 307.2 (Code of Ordinances Ch. 20, § 20-23)
307.2. Permit required. A permit shall be obtained from the fire code official in accordance with Section 105.5 prior to kindling a bonfire or a recreational fire. Application for such approval shall only be presented by and permits issued to the owner of the land upon which the fire is to be kindled. Applications shall be submitted in writing at least ten days prior to the proposed event and s...
Smoke Detectors
Sterling Heights' local Fire Code amendments require new-construction smoke alarms to run on building wiring with battery backup, and mandate 10-year sealed lithium batteries in multi-family common areas and rental dwelling units.
Sterling Heights Smoke Alarm Power Rule
Some RestrictionsSterling Heights Code of Ordinances § 20-23 (IFC § 907.2.11.6, as locally amended)
907.2.11.6 Power source. In new construction, required smoke alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring where such wiring is served from a commercial source and shall be equipped with a battery backup. Smoke alarms with integral strobes that are not equipped with battery back-up shall be connected to an emergency electrical system in accordance with Section 604. Smoke ala...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sterling Heights city rules.
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