Fire Pit Rules: Austin vs Pflugerville
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Austin, TX and Pflugerville, TX?
Austin and Pflugerville have similar restriction levels.
Austin, TX
Travis County
Fire pits and backyard fires are allowed in Austin if used for cooking or warmth and kept to 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height. Permanent outdoor fireplaces and enclosed barbecue pits are permitted. Burning trash is prohibited.
View full Austin rules →Pflugerville, TX
Travis County
Travis County Fire Marshal permits recreational fire pits in unincorporated areas with 25-foot clearance from structures and combustible vegetation. Pits must be under 3 feet diameter and contained by non-combustible ring. Gas/propane pits exempt from burn bans; wood-burning pits prohibited during Commissioners Court burn bans, common in Hill Country summers.
View full Pflugerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Austin | Pflugerville |
|---|---|---|
| Size Limit | ≤3 ft diameter, ≤2 ft tall | - |
| Purpose | Cooking, warmth, ceremonial | - |
| Trash Burning | Prohibited | - |
| Enclosed BBQ Pit | Allowed anytime | - |
| Permit | Not required for small fires | Fire Marshal 512-854-4621 |
| Clearance | - | 25 ft from structures |
| Gas Pits | - | Exempt from burn bans |
| WUI Risk | - | Hill Country wildfire zone |
| Fine | - | Up to 500 dollars |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Austin FAQ
Are fire pits allowed in residential areas in Austin?
Fire pits and backyard fires are allowed in Austin if used for cooking or warmth and kept to 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height. Permanent outdoor fireplaces and enclosed barbecue pits are permitted. Burning trash is prohibited.
What are the fire pit setback requirements in Austin?
Size Limit: ≤3 ft diameter, ≤2 ft tall. Purpose: Cooking, warmth, ceremonial. Trash Burning: Prohibited. Enclosed BBQ Pit: Allowed anytime.
Pflugerville FAQ
Can I use a propane fire pit during a burn ban in Travis County?
Yes. Gas and propane fire pits with shutoff valves are exempt from Commissioners Court burn bans per TCEQ 30 TAC 111.219.
Who enforces fire pit rules in unincorporated Travis County?
The Travis County Fire Marshal (512-854-4621) working with your local ESD (Emergency Services District).
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