Fire Regulations in Rutherford County, TN (2026)
4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Rutherford County, Tennessee.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
Backyard burning is allowed in Rutherford County for natural yard debris only. From October 15 to May 15 you need a free Division of Forestry permit, one person must stay at the fire the entire time, and household garbage may never be burned.
Backyard Fires Allowed; Only Natural Debris and Must Be Attended
Some RestrictionsRutherford County Open Burning Requirements
At least 1 person shall be constantly present at the burn site the entire length of the burn.
Fireworks
Fireworks sales tents in unincorporated Rutherford County need a Board of Zoning Appeals temporary use permit under Section 1101 M.5, allowed only in commercial or industrial districts for up to two weeks before July 4 and January 1. The tent or stand must come down within 7 days after the holiday and sit at least 40 feet back from the front property line.
Fireworks Sales Tent Permits in Rutherford County, TN
Significant RestrictionsRutherford County Zoning Ordinance § 1101 M.5
5. Fireworks Sales Tents. A temporary use permit for fireworks sales tents and stands may be issued in any commercial or industrial district for up to two (2) weeks prior to July 4th and January 1st. Said tent or stand must be removed no later than seven (7) days after July 4th or January 1st. Such use shall only be permitted on lots where adequate off-street parking can be provided and where a...
Brush Clearance
Tennessee sets no wildfire defensible-space or brush-clearance mandate for homeowners in Rutherford County. Overgrowth is handled as a nuisance/high-grass matter, and any cleared brush may only be burned as natural on-site vegetation, with a Division of Forestry permit required October 15-May 15.
No Defensible-Space Mandate; Cleared Brush Burns Only With a Permit
Some RestrictionsRutherford County Open Burning Requirements
You may burn only what nature has given you! Leaves, branches, trees, stumps, grass clippings etc... it is illegal to burn any of these materials that were not grown on-site.
Outdoor Burning
In Rutherford County you may burn natural wood debris outdoors, but from October 15 through May 15 you must first get a free permit from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry. Only leaves, branches, and other natural vegetation may be burned.
Open Burning Needs a State Permit From October 15 to May 15
Some RestrictionsRutherford County Open Burning Requirements
Between October 15 and May 15 every year, state law requires citizens to obtain a permit from the Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry before conducting any open burning of wood debris.
Fire Regulations by City in Rutherford County
1 cities in Rutherford County have their own fire regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Rutherford County ordinances
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