Fire Pit Rules: Gaithersburg vs Takoma Park
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Gaithersburg, MD and Takoma Park, MD?
Gaithersburg and Takoma Park have similar restriction levels.
Gaithersburg, MD
Montgomery County
Gaithersburg permits recreational fire pits under Maryland Fire Prevention Code and Montgomery County fire regulations. Fire pits must be at least 15 feet from structures, property lines, and combustible materials. Only clean dry wood or gas fuel is permitted. A means of extinguishment must be readily available.
View full Gaithersburg rules →Takoma Park, MD
Montgomery County
Recreational fires in Takoma Park follow Montgomery County regulations. Fire pits, chimineas, and fire bowls must be placed at least 10 feet from homes and 3 feet from mulch. Only dry, aged natural wood may be burned. Fires larger than 3 feet across or part of large gatherings may require permits. Fires are prohibited on Code Orange and Code Red air quality days.
View full Takoma Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Gaithersburg | Takoma Park |
|---|---|---|
| Setback | 15 feet from structures and lines | 10 ft from homes |
| Fuel | Clean dry wood or gas only | Dry, aged natural wood only |
| Extinguishment | Hose or extinguisher required nearby | - |
| Unattended | Prohibited | - |
| Burn Bans | County may issue during drought | - |
| Max Size | - | 3 ft diameter (no permit) |
| Air Quality | - | No fires on Orange/Red days |
| Notify | - | Call 240-683-6520 first |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Gaithersburg FAQ
Can I have a fire pit in my Gaithersburg backyard?
Yes. Fire pits must be at least 15 feet from structures, property lines, and combustible materials. Only clean dry wood or gas fuel is allowed. Keep an extinguishment method nearby and never leave it unattended.
Are gas fire pits allowed in Gaithersburg?
Yes. Gas fire pits using natural gas or propane are permitted and may have reduced setback requirements compared to wood-burning pits.
Takoma Park FAQ
Can I have a fire pit in Takoma Park?
Yes. Fire pits must be at least 10 feet from homes, use only dry natural wood, and have an adult supervisor. Call Fire and Rescue at 240-683-6520 before lighting. No fires on Code Orange or Red air quality days.
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire?
Small recreational fires under 3 feet across do not require a permit but you must notify Fire and Rescue. Fires larger than 3 feet or part of large events require permits from the Division of Fire Prevention.
Compare other topics
See how Gaithersburg and Takoma Park 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