Outdoor Burning: Atlanta vs Roswell
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Atlanta, GA and Roswell, GA?
Atlanta and Roswell have similar restriction levels.
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 →Roswell, GA
Fulton County
Roswell prohibits all outdoor open burning except activities specifically allowed by the ordinance (recreational cooking fires and certain regulated activities). The Roswell Fire Marshal can suspend even those exemptions during dry or high-wind conditions.
View full Roswell rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Atlanta | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Code Article | - | Roswell Code Art. 8.3 |
| Fire Code | - | 2018 IFC + Georgia amendments |
| Open Burning | - | Prohibited by default |
| May-Sep Restriction | - | Statewide metro Atlanta burn restrictions |
| Yard Debris | - | Use curbside pickup, not burning |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Atlanta FAQ
Roswell FAQ
Can I burn leaves in my Roswell backyard?
No. Roswell prohibits residential open burning under Art. 8.3, and state EPD rules also prohibit burning yard debris in Fulton County from May 1 to September 30.
Is there a burn permit available in Roswell?
Not for routine residential burning. The Fire Marshal can authorize certain regulated burns (training, agriculture) but the city does not issue homeowner brush-burning permits.
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