7 rules for unincorporated Bronx County, New York.
Verified from official government sources
Bronx County follows NYC Fire Code (Title 29). Open flames and recreational fires are prohibited on terraces, balconies, roofs, and within 10 feet of combustible construction in multi-family buildings. Portable fire pits are heavily restricted FDNY-wide.
All consumer fireworks including sparklers are illegal in Bronx County. NYC opted out of the 2015 state sparkler legalization, so every type of consumer firework remains banned under NY Penal Law 270.00 and NYC Admin Code.
The Bronx is a dense urban borough with no wildland-urban interface, so there is no defensible space ordinance. Property owners must still maintain lots free of combustible debris, tall weeds, and rubbish under NYC Admin Code 16-118 and Fire Code FC 304.
Open burning is prohibited in Bronx County under both NYC Fire Code FC 307 and 6 NYCRR Part 215. Burning leaves, brush, trash, or yard waste is illegal year-round. Only FDNY-permitted ceremonial or cooking fires are allowed.
Bronx County is not in a designated wildfire hazard zone. No WUI maps, Cal Fire-equivalent designations, or Chapter 7A-style construction rules apply in NYC.
NYC Administrative Code 27-2045 requires working smoke alarms in every dwelling unit. Since 2019 all replacement alarms must be sealed 10-year battery or hardwired units. Carbon monoxide alarms are also required under 27-2046.
Backyard recreational fires are only allowed at 1-2 family homes with private yards, using approved portable fire pits under 3 feet wide. Apartment buildings, brownstones with shared yards, and rooftops are off-limits per FDNY.
See every category we cover for Bronx County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Bronx County Ordinance Hub →