Outdoor Burning: New Rochelle vs White Plains
How do outdoor burning rules compare between New Rochelle, NY and White Plains, NY?
New Rochelle and White Plains have similar restriction levels.
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 →White Plains, NY
Westchester County
Open burning of brush and yard waste is banned in White Plains year-round as a densely populated area under NY DEC rules. Statewide DEC Part 215 brush-burn ban also applies March 16 – May 14.
View full White Plains rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | New Rochelle | White Plains |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Ban | Mar 16 - May 14 | - |
| Trash Burning | Illegal year-round | Illegal year-round |
| Min Fine | $500 first offense | - |
| State Rule | 6 NYCRR Part 215 | - |
| Enforcement | NRFD + NYS DEC | - |
| Brush Burning | - | Banned (pop. >20,000) |
| Statewide Ban | - | March 16 – May 14 |
| First Offense | - | Min $500 fine |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
White Plains FAQ
Can I burn leaves in my backyard?
No. White Plains exceeds the DEC 20,000-population threshold, so open brush and leaf burning is prohibited year-round.
When is the statewide NY burn ban?
6 NYCRR Part 215 imposes a statewide brush burning ban from March 16 through May 14 each year. In White Plains, open burning of brush and trash is prohibited year-round regardless, since it is over the 20,000-population threshold.
What's the fine for illegal burning in White Plains?
First offenses carry a minimum $500 fine. The White Plains Fire Bureau responds to complaints and can issue summonses; trash burning (leaves, garbage, household waste) is illegal statewide year-round.
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