Outdoor Burning: Alpharetta vs Atlanta
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Alpharetta, GA and Atlanta, GA?
Alpharetta and Atlanta have similar restriction levels.
Alpharetta, GA
Fulton County
Fulton County is in Georgia's 54-county summer burn ban, which prohibits open burning of yard debris and land-clearing waste from May 1 through September 30 annually under EPD rule 391-3-1-.02(5).
View full Alpharetta rules →Atlanta, GA
Fulton County
Open burning of yard debris is banned in Atlanta and 53 other metro counties from May 1 to Sep 30 under Georgia EPD rules. Small recreational fires in approved appliances remain allowed year-round.
View full Atlanta rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Alpharetta | Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Summer ban | May 1–Sept 30 | - |
| Winter allowed | Oct 1–Apr 30 (natural debris) | - |
| Never allowed | Garbage, plastics, tires | - |
| Summer Ban | - | May 1 - Sep 30 |
| Counties Covered | - | 54 metro including Fulton/DeKalb |
| Garbage Burning | - | Always illegal |
| Recreational Fire Size | - | <= 3 ft diameter |
| Setback from Structures | - | >= 25 ft |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Alpharetta FAQ
Do I need a burn permit?
No permit is required in unincorporated Fulton for legal natural-debris burning in winter — but call Georgia Forestry Commission first.
Can I burn stumps?
No — tree stumps and trunks are always prohibited.
Atlanta FAQ
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