Outdoor Burning: Roswell vs Sandy Springs
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Roswell, GA and Sandy Springs, GA?
Sandy Springs has fewer restrictions than Roswell.
Roswell, GA
Fulton County
Roswell prohibits all outdoor open burning except activities specifically allowed by the ordinance (recreational cooking fires and certain regulated activities). The Roswell Fire Marshal can suspend even those exemptions during dry or high-wind conditions.
View full Roswell rules →Sandy Springs, GA
Fulton County
Sandy Springs regulates outdoor burning under local code and Georgia EPD Rule 391-3-1-.02(5). Georgia Forestry Commission issues burn bans.
View full Sandy Springs rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Roswell | Sandy Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Code Article | Roswell Code Art. 8.3 | - |
| Fire Code | 2018 IFC + Georgia amendments | - |
| Open Burning | Prohibited by default | - |
| May-Sep Restriction | Statewide metro Atlanta burn restrictions | - |
| Yard Debris | Use curbside pickup, not burning | - |
| Permit | - | May be required locally |
| Banned Materials | - | Garbage, tires, construction debris |
| Burn Bans | - | GA Forestry Commission |
| State Rule | - | EPD 391-3-1-.02(5) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Roswell FAQ
Can I burn leaves in my Roswell backyard?
No. Roswell prohibits residential open burning under Art. 8.3, and state EPD rules also prohibit burning yard debris in Fulton County from May 1 to September 30.
Is there a burn permit available in Roswell?
Not for routine residential burning. The Fire Marshal can authorize certain regulated burns (training, agriculture) but the city does not issue homeowner brush-burning permits.
Sandy Springs FAQ
Can I burn yard waste?
Varies by Sandy Springs and current burn conditions. Check local rules and Georgia Forestry Commission burn status.
How do I check for burn bans?
Contact Georgia Forestry Commission or check their website for current burn conditions.
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