Fire Pit Rules: Katy vs Missouri City
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Katy, TX and Missouri City, TX?
Katy and Missouri City have similar restriction levels.
Katy, TX
Fort Bend County
Katy bans construction or use of any barbecue pit or open flame within 10 feet of a multifamily building wall, or beneath a balcony, porch, roof overhang, or veranda. The rule was adopted under Ordinance 3123 amending the 2021 International Fire Code.
View full Katy rules →Missouri City, TX
Fort Bend County
Open burning is prohibited inside Missouri City limits under Chapter 38 of the Code, with narrow exceptions only for barbecue pits used for cooking and approved outdoor fireplaces having at least three sides plus an approved spark arrestor.
View full Missouri City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Katy | Missouri City |
|---|---|---|
| Setback | 10 feet from multifamily wall | - |
| Authority | IFC 2021 Section 308.3 amended | - |
| Adopted by | Ordinance 3123 | - |
| Max fine | Up to $2,000 | - |
| Enforcer | Katy Fire Marshal | - |
| Open Burning | - | Prohibited inside city limits |
| Allowed | - | BBQ pits + 3-sided fireplaces w/ spark arrestor |
| Code Location | - | Ch. 38, Fire Prevention & Protection |
| Adopted Code | - | International Fire Code |
| County Layer | - | Fort Bend Co. burn ban (drought) |
| State Rule | - | 30 TAC 111.219 (TCEQ) |
| Contact | - | Fire Prevention 281-403-4365 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Katy FAQ
Can I grill on my apartment balcony in Katy?
No. Katy's fire code prohibits using a barbecue pit on or beneath any balcony, porch, roof overhang, or veranda of a multifamily residential building, regardless of fuel type.
Does this apply to single-family homes?
The 10-foot rule targets multifamily structures. Single-family homeowners should still follow general fire safety practices and contact the Katy Fire Marshal at (281) 391-4080 with questions.
Missouri City FAQ
Are backyard fire pits legal in Missouri City?
Only if the structure is an approved outdoor fireplace with at least three sides and an approved spark arrestor, or a barbecue pit used for cooking. Open free-standing fire pits do not meet the Chapter 38 exception.
Can I burn yard waste or leaves?
No. Open burning is prohibited inside Missouri City limits, and Fort Bend County also bans burning yard waste in unincorporated areas due to TCEQ ozone non-attainment rules.
Does a burn ban affect city residents?
Fort Bend County burn bans, declared by the County Fire Marshal during drought, apply countywide and add penalties on top of Missouri City's underlying open-burning prohibition.
Who enforces fire-pit rules?
The Missouri City Fire Marshal's Office and Fire Prevention Division. Permit and complaint questions go to 281-403-4365.
Compare other topics
See how Katy and Missouri City 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