Fire Pit Rules: Downers Grove vs Naperville
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Downers Grove, IL and Naperville, IL?
Downers Grove and Naperville have similar restriction levels.
Downers Grove, IL
DuPage County
DuPage County permits recreational fires in unincorporated areas only if they use clean, seasoned firewood, are contained in a fire pit or grill, and remain under constant adult supervision. Burning landscape waste, garbage, treated wood, or construction debris in a fire pit is prohibited under Sections 30-17 and 30-26 of the County Code.
View full Downers Grove rules →Naperville, IL
DuPage County
Naperville allows recreational fires without a permit if using commercially built outdoor fireplaces or approved containers. Open fires must be 50 feet from structures, while fires in approved containers may be within 15 feet. Only charcoal and clean dry wood allowed.
View full Naperville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Downers Grove | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Open Fire Setback | - | 50 feet from structures |
| Container Setback | - | 15 feet from structures |
| Fuel Allowed | - | Charcoal and clean dry wood |
| Permit | - | Not needed for recreational |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Downers Grove FAQ
Are backyard fire pits legal in unincorporated DuPage County?
Yes. A backyard recreational fire is legal if it burns only clean, seasoned firewood inside a fire pit or grill and remains under constant adult supervision. Burning leaves, brush, or yard waste in the pit is not allowed under County Code Secs. 30-17/30-26.
Can I burn leaves or brush in my fire pit in DuPage County?
No. The County Code prohibits using a recreational fire to dispose of landscape waste, garbage, or debris. Leaves, brush, grass, and roots are all banned fuels, even inside a fire pit.
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit in DuPage County?
No permit is required from the county for a true recreational fire that meets all the fuel, containment, and supervision rules. Your municipality or fire protection district may have additional permitting requirements, so check locally before lighting.
Naperville FAQ
Do I need a permit for a fire pit in Naperville?
No permit is needed for recreational fires in commercially built fire pits or outdoor fireplaces. Only charcoal and clean dry wood may be burned, and approved containers must be at least 15 feet from structures.
How far does a fire pit need to be from my house?
Fires in approved containers (manufactured fire pits, chimineas) must be at least 15 feet from structures. Open fires without a container must be at least 50 feet from any structure.
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