Recreational, heating and cooking fires are allowed. Fires over 3 to 5 feet must sit at least 50 feet from any structure, cannot exceed 5 by 5 feet, keep a 10-foot safe area, be constantly attended, and burn only seasoned dry firewood. Call 410-313-2200 before lighting.
Howard County permits recreational, heating and cooking fires without an application. For a larger fire (over 3 feet up to 5 feet), the county code requires a minimum 50-foot setback from any structure, a fire no larger than 5 by 5 feet, and a maintained 10-foot safe area. Fuel must be seasoned dry firewood ignited with a small amount of paper, never used for waste disposal. The fire must be constantly attended by a competent adult, with extinguishment means nearby. Before lighting, call Communications at 410-313-2200 and notify them again once extinguished. No fire during winds above 10 MPH or a declared fire ban.
Non-compliant recreational fires may result in citations and/or fines. Fires must be extinguished immediately during high winds or a declared open-fire ban.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
howard-county-md
Howard County allows residential backyard composting and actively promotes it. The county runs a Feed the Green Bin curbside food-scrap collection and sells ...
howard-county-md
Howard County has no ordinance specifically prohibiting or requiring artificial turf for residential yards. Synthetic lawns are generally allowed, but becaus...
howard-county-md
Howard County places no restriction on planting native or pollinator gardens. Maryland's low-impact landscaping law (House Bill 322, 2021) bars homeowners as...
howard-county-md
Howard County does not ban rainwater harvesting. Rain barrels and cisterns are legal and actively promoted through the county's Live Green Howard and stormwa...
howard-county-md
Howard County has no year-round odd/even watering ban. Water use is limited only when the state declares a drought. Under Maryland's Level One Mandatory Rest...
howard-county-md
Howard County's adopted Property Maintenance Code requires exterior premises to be kept free of weeds and rank plant growth, but it applies only to rental an...
See how Howard County's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.