Fire Pit Rules: Detroit vs Livonia
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Detroit, MI and Livonia, MI?
Detroit and Livonia have similar restriction levels.
Detroit, MI
Wayne County
Detroit regulates recreational fires under the Detroit Fire Prevention and Protection Code (City Code Chapter 19), which adopts NFPA 1 Fire Code with local amendments. Open Burning and Outdoor Fire Activities are covered in Division 5 of the chapter. A 'campfire' is defined as an outdoor fire in a fire pit for recreation or cooking — not for waste disposal — and may only burn clean wood.
View full Detroit rules →Livonia, MI
Wayne County
Livonia allows recreational fire pits on private residential property with restrictions on fuel, size, distance from structures, and active supervision under the city fire prevention code.
View full Livonia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Detroit | Livonia |
|---|---|---|
| City Code | Chapter 19 - Fire Prevention and Protection | - |
| Section | Division 5 - Open Burning / Outdoor Fire | - |
| Adopted Standard | NFPA 1 Fire Code (2015 ed.) | - |
| Campfire Definition | Pit fire for recreation/cooking only | - |
| Fuel | Clean wood only - no waste or trash | Clean wood only, no trash |
| Enforcement | Detroit Fire Marshal | - |
| Distance from structures | - | 25 ft recreational, 15 ft portable |
| Max size | - | 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height |
| Supervision | - | Adult attendance with extinguisher |
| Authority | - | Livonia Fire Dept (734) 466-2444 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Detroit FAQ
Are backyard fire pits legal in Detroit, MI?
Yes. Chapter 19 Division 5 of the Detroit City Code recognizes campfires in a fire pit for recreation or cooking, provided only clean wood is burned, the fire is attended, and it does not create a nuisance or excessive smoke. The fire must not be used to dispose of waste.
What can I burn in a Detroit fire pit?
Only clean wood. Detroit's open-burning code prohibits burning trash, leaves, treated or painted lumber, plastics, and other waste. Michigan's statewide solid waste law also bans open burning of yard waste in cities over 7,500 population, which includes Detroit.
Do I need a permit for a recreational fire in Detroit?
Standard recreational campfires in a fire pit do not require an individual permit under Chapter 19, but the fire must meet Division 5 requirements (clean wood, attended, no nuisance). Larger bonfires or any burning for waste disposal are not permitted in Detroit.
Livonia FAQ
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit in Livonia?
No permit is required for a small recreational fire on your own property, but the fire must meet distance, size, and fuel rules in the adopted International Fire Code.
Can I burn leaves in my fire pit?
No. Livonia prohibits burning yard waste, trash, or construction debris in residential fire pits.
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