Outdoor Burning: Mount Vernon vs New Rochelle
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Mount Vernon, NY and New Rochelle, NY?
Mount Vernon and New Rochelle have similar restriction levels.
Mount Vernon, NY
Westchester County
Open burning of brush, leaves, or trash is prohibited in Mount Vernon. The city's extreme density (4 sq mi, 73,000 residents) means no open burning is practical. NY DEC Part 215 also bans residential brush burning March 16 to May 14 statewide.
View full Mount Vernon rules →New Rochelle, NY
Westchester County
Open burning of brush and yard waste is banned statewide from March 16 through May 14 under NY DEC Part 215. Trash burning is illegal year-round. New Rochelle's urban density means most residential open burning is already prohibited locally.
View full New Rochelle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mount Vernon | New Rochelle |
|---|---|---|
| Open burning | Prohibited | - |
| Trash burning | Illegal year-round (DEC) | - |
| Brush burn ban | Mar 16 - May 14 | - |
| DEC rule | 6 NYCRR Part 215 | - |
| Min DEC fine | $500 first offense | - |
| Spring Ban | - | Mar 16 - May 14 |
| Trash Burning | - | Illegal year-round |
| Min Fine | - | $500 first offense |
| State Rule | - | 6 NYCRR Part 215 |
| Enforcement | - | NRFD + NYS DEC |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mount Vernon FAQ
Can I burn fallen leaves in my backyard?
No. Mount Vernon's dense urban environment prohibits open burning, and NY DEC bans burning leaves and yard waste regardless of season.
When is the NY statewide brush burn ban?
NY DEC 6 NYCRR Part 215 bans residential brush burning from March 16 through May 14 each year. Burning household trash is illegal year-round statewide, including in Mount Vernon.
What's the fine for open burning in Mount Vernon?
NY DEC minimum fines start at $500 for a first offense. Mount Vernon's fire code effectively prohibits all open burning given its urban density — only small cooking fires in approved appliances are allowed.
New Rochelle FAQ
Can I burn leaves in my yard in the fall?
No. Burning leaves and yard waste is illegal year-round under New York state law, regardless of season. Bag them for municipal collection instead.
When is the NY state brush-burning ban in effect?
March 16 through May 14 every year under 6 NYCRR Part 215, due to elevated spring wildfire risk.
What is the fine for illegal open burning in New Rochelle?
A minimum of $500 for a first offense under DEC Part 215, enforced jointly by NRFD and NYS DEC.
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