Outdoor Burning: Cornelius vs Matthews
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Cornelius, NC and Matthews, NC?
Cornelius and Matthews have similar restriction levels.
Cornelius, NC
Mecklenburg County
Open burning in Cornelius is tightly restricted. The Town generally prohibits burning of trash, leaves, and yard waste within municipal limits, and NC DEQ rules forbid burning within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling without a permit.
View full Cornelius rules →Matthews, NC
Mecklenburg County
Matthews prohibits open burning of yard waste within town limits. NC DEQ 4 PM rule applies regionally: no burning after 4 PM. Mecklenburg County air quality rules further restrict burning in the urban area.
View full Matthews rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cornelius | Matthews |
|---|---|---|
| Burn Cutoff | 4 PM state rule | - |
| Trash Burning | Always illegal | - |
| Setback | 100 ft from dwellings | - |
| Max Penalty | Up to 10,000 dollars per day | - |
| Yard Waste | - | Prohibited in town |
| Rule | - | NC 4 PM rule applies |
| Authority | - | Mecklenburg Air Quality |
| Permits | - | Required for land clearing |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cornelius FAQ
Can I burn leaves in my Cornelius yard?
Generally no inside town limits where pickup is available. Violators face state and local penalties.
Who enforces this in Cornelius?
Cornelius at (704) 892-6031 handles most complaints.
Matthews FAQ
Can I burn leaves in fall?
No. Open burning of leaves is prohibited within Matthews due to Mecklenburg air quality rules.
What is the 4 PM rule?
NC Forest Service rule: burning only allowed before 4 PM, not after, and requires permit in most cases.
Compare other topics
See how Cornelius and Matthews compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool