Fire Regulations in York County, VA (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated York County, Virginia.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
In York County, Virginia, campfires and other fires used solely for recreational purposes, ceremonial occasions, outdoor noncommercial food preparation or warming outdoor workers are exempted from the county's open burning ban under Section 11-54(b). The exemption does not excuse a fire that spreads or causes damage, or the burning of household refuse under cover of a recreational fire.
York County Recreational Fire and Fire Pit Rules
Light RestrictionsYork County Code § 11-54(b)
The following activities are exempted to the extent covered by the State Air Pollution Control Board's Regulations for the Control and Abatement of Air Pollution: (a)Open burning for training and instruction of government and public fire fighters under the supervision of the designated official, industrial in-house fire fighting personnel, or for the purpose of training the public in firefighti...
Fireworks
In York County, Virginia, manufacturing fireworks is banned outright, and displaying, selling or discharging them requires a permit from the fire official under Chapter 31 of the amended Fire Prevention Code, adopted through Section 11-36(j). Selling, possessing or exploding fireworks without an approved permit or exemption is itself a code violation enforced by the fire marshal.
York County Fireworks Permit and Ban Rules
Significant RestrictionsYork County Code § 11-36(j) (Fire Prevention Code §§ F-3101.1, F-3101.2, F-3103.1)
The manufacture of fireworks is prohibited within the county. The display, sale or discharge of fireworks shall comply with the requirements of this article and the requirements of Chapter 11, Title 59.1, of the Code of Virginia. ... A permit shall be obtained from the fire official for the display, sale or discharge of fireworks. ... It shall be a violation of this code for any person to store...
Outdoor Burning
In York County, Virginia, open burning or use of a special incineration device is banned for disposing of refuse, hazardous waste, tires, crankcase oil and commercial or industrial waste under Section 11-53 of the County Code. Violations of the Open Burning ordinance are punished as a Class 1 misdemeanor, with narrower leaf-burning violations treated as a Class 4 misdemeanor.
York County Open Burning Ban Rules
Significant RestrictionsYork County Code § 11-53(a), (c), (d)
(a)No owner or other person shall cause or permit open burning or the use of a special incineration device for disposal of refuse except as provided in this Article. ... (c)No owner or other person shall cause or permit open burning or the use of a special incineration device for disposal of hazardous waste or containers for such materials.(d)No owner or other person shall cause or permit open ...
Smoke Detectors
In York County, Virginia, owners of any building with a dwelling unit, hotel, motel or rooming house must install, maintain and inspect smoke detectors at least annually under Section F-520.0 of the amended Fire Prevention Code. Rental owners must certify working detectors to tenants at the start of every tenancy and again each year, and must fix a reported malfunction within five days.
York County Smoke Detector Requirements
Some RestrictionsYork County Code § 11-36(g) (Fire Prevention Code § F-520.0)
(g)Section F-520.0 is hereby added to read as follows: Smoke detectors: (1)The owner of any building of the following occupancy types shall install, maintain and inspect, at least annually, smoke detectors. ... (4)The owner of any dwelling unit of the kind listed in subparagraph (1), above, which shall be rented or leased, at the beginning of each tenancy and at least annually thereafter shall ...
Propane Storage
York County, Virginia sets no separate volume or setback cap on residential propane in Chapter 7.1; instead every LP gas tank installation needs a mechanical permit under County Code § 7.1-8(e)(6), charging a flat $90 per tank whether it holds 500 gallons or several thousand.
York County LP Gas Tank Permit Rule
Light RestrictionsYork County Code § 7.1-8(e)(6)
(e)Mechanical Permits. A Mechanical permit shall be required for the following types and classes of activities. Fees for said permits shall be as indicated. ... (6)Gas Permit Fees: Type Fee Gas Distribution Systems (Natural/LP) Base Fee $90 Each additional outlet $10 LP Gas Tanks 0 to 500 gallons $90 per tank 501 gallons and over $90 per tank
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