Backyard Fires: Grove City vs Westerville
How do backyard fires rules compare between Grove City, OH and Westerville, OH?
Grove City and Westerville have similar restriction levels.
Grove City, OH
Franklin County
Backyard recreational fires in Grove City are allowed if they meet Ohio Fire Code 307.4 standards: pile no more than 3 feet across and 2 feet high, minimum 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, clean wood fuel only, and constantly attended with water source ready.
View full Grove City rules →Westerville, OH
Franklin County
Backyard recreational fires permitted in Westerville under Ohio Fire Code 307.4: 3-foot diameter maximum, 25-foot setback from structures, clean wood only. Must be attended and fully extinguished before leaving.
View full Westerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Grove City | Westerville |
|---|---|---|
| Allowed | Recreational fires only | - |
| Max Pile | 3 ft x 2 ft | - |
| Setback | 25 ft from structures | 25 ft from structures |
| Fuel | Clean firewood only | Clean firewood only |
| Attendance | Required until out | Required at all times |
| Size | - | 3 ft diameter max |
| Yard Waste | - | Never permitted |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Grove City FAQ
Can I use a chiminea on my Grove City patio?
Yes. Portable outdoor fireplaces and chimineas have a reduced 15-foot setback under OFC 307.4.3 instead of 25 feet, as long as they have a spark arrestor and use clean firewood.
Can I burn leaves in the fall?
No. Ohio EPA OAC 3745-19 bans burning of leaves, brush, and yard waste inside incorporated municipalities year-round. Use SWACO yard waste collection instead.
Westerville FAQ
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire in Westerville?
No permit is required for a compliant recreational fire, but Fire Division may order extinguishment if smoke creates a nuisance.
Who enforces this in Westerville?
Westerville code enforcement at (614) 901-6400 handles complaints.
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