Backyard Fires: Cedar Hill vs Richardson
How do backyard fires rules compare between Cedar Hill, TX and Richardson, TX?
Richardson has fewer restrictions than Cedar Hill.
Cedar Hill, TX
Dallas County
Open burning is generally prohibited in Cedar Hill. Small recreational fires in approved fire pits/chimineas under 3 feet wide using clean wood are allowed if 25 feet from structures, supervised, and not during a Dallas County burn ban.
View full Cedar Hill rules →Richardson, TX
Dallas County
Backyard recreational fires in Richardson are permitted in approved containers at least 15 feet from structures, or in permanently installed fire pits at least 10 feet from structures. Open-flame cooking devices must be 10 feet from structures and not on combustible decks.
View full Richardson rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cedar Hill | Richardson |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Approved Container | - | 15 ft from structures |
| Installed Fire Pit | - | 10 ft from structures |
| Grills | - | 10 ft from structures; not on combustible decks |
| Open Burning | - | 300 ft setback (effectively prohibited in residential) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cedar Hill FAQ
Can I burn fall leaves in my yard?
No — leaf burning is prohibited in Cedar Hill. Use yard-waste collection or composting instead.
Is my propane patio fire pit subject to the 25-ft rule?
Gas-fueled appliances installed per manufacturer instructions are exempt from the 25-ft setback but still cannot be used on combustible decks or under overhangs.
How do I check if there's a burn ban?
Check the Dallas County burn ban status or call Cedar Hill Fire at (972) 291-5266 before lighting any outdoor wood fire.
Richardson FAQ
Can I have a campfire in my backyard in Richardson?
Open campfires require a 300-foot setback from structures, making them impractical in residential areas. Use an approved fire pit container (15 ft setback) or permanently installed fire pit (10 ft setback) instead.
Can I grill on my apartment balcony?
No. Open-flame cooking devices may not be used on combustible balconies or decks under the Richardson fire code.
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