Outdoor Burning: Fair Lawn vs Fort Lee
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Fair Lawn, NJ and Fort Lee, NJ?
Fair Lawn and Fort Lee have similar restriction levels.
Fair Lawn, NJ
Bergen County
Fair Lawn prohibits open burning of leaves, brush, refuse, and construction debris within the borough. Limited exceptions exist for small recreational and cooking fires, and any approved burning requires authorization from the fire official.
View full Fair Lawn rules →Fort Lee, NJ
Bergen County
Fort Lee enforces outdoor burning under the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70), adopted and administered locally through Borough Code Chapter 216 (Fire Prevention) and the Bureau of Fire Prevention. Small recreational fires up to 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high are permitted without prior notification when at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, while bonfires require a Type 1 permit from the Fire Official and must be at least 50 feet from any structure. Open burning of refuse, leaves, and construction debris is prohibited.
View full Fort Lee rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fair Lawn | Fort Lee |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf Burning | Prohibited borough-wide | - |
| Refuse Burning | Strictly forbidden | - |
| Permitted | Small contained cooking fires | - |
| Approvals | Fire official authorization needed | - |
| Local Authority | - | Fort Lee Code Ch. 216 (Fire Prevention) + Bureau of Fire Prevention |
| Governing State Code | - | N.J.A.C. 5:70 (NJ Uniform Fire Code) |
| Recreational Fire Size | - | Max 3 ft diameter, 2 ft high |
| Recreational Fire Setback | - | 25 ft from structures or combustibles |
| Portable Fire Pit Setback | - | 15 ft from structures (approved containers) |
| Bonfire Permit | - | Type 1 permit required from Fire Official |
| Bonfire Setback | - | 50 ft from any structure |
| Refuse/Leaf Burning | - | Prohibited (UFC + N.J.A.C. 7:27-2) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fair Lawn FAQ
Can I burn fall leaves in my yard?
No. Burning leaves and yard waste is prohibited in Fair Lawn. Use the borough's curbside leaf collection or compost the material on your property instead.
Are barbecue grills considered open burning?
No, properly used cooking grills and small contained cooking fires are exempt. They must still be attended and kept safely away from buildings and combustibles.
Fort Lee FAQ
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit in Fort Lee?
Not for a typical recreational fire. Under N.J.A.C. 5:70, a fire of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height for cooking or warmth is allowed without a permit if it is at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material (15 feet for an approved portable fire pit container). Anything larger - or any 'bonfire' tied to a public gathering - requires a Type 1 permit from the Fort Lee Fire Official.
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in Fort Lee?
No. Open burning of leaves, yard waste, household refuse, and construction debris is prohibited under the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code and the Air Pollution Control rules at N.J.A.C. 7:27-2. Leaves and brush must be disposed of through Borough collection or curbside programs.
How do I get a bonfire permit in Fort Lee?
Apply to the Fort Lee Bureau of Fire Prevention for a Type 1 permit under N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.7. The Fire Official will set conditions, including the required 50-foot setback from structures, fuel type (seasoned firewood only), constant attendance, and a ready water source or extinguisher.
Compare other topics
See how Fair Lawn and Fort Lee 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