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.
Rutherford County's open-burning guidance sums up backyard burning simply: burn only natural vegetation grown on-site, such as leaves, branches, trees, stumps, and grass clippings. A person must remain present for the full length of the burn. During the October 15-May 15 fire season a free permit from the Division of Forestry is required before lighting. Household garbage that cannot be recycled must go to a permitted landfill or county convenience center, not a backyard fire. City residents in Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and La Vergne should also check municipal limits, which can be stricter than the county.
Leaving a fire unattended or burning prohibited materials can bring fire-code and nuisance citations; escaped fires expose you to Air Quality Act civil penalties up to $25,000 per day.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Murfreesboro, TN
Murfreesboro prohibits storing abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets or visible on private property. Vehicles may be tagged and t...
Murfreesboro, TN
Murfreesboro regulates electric vehicle charging infrastructure for residential and commercial properties. Building codes may require EV-ready parking in new...
Murfreesboro, TN
Murfreesboro regulates overnight parking on public streets. Many areas restrict parking between certain hours or require permits for overnight street parking.
Murfreesboro, TN
Murfreesboro requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Murfreesboro, TN
Murfreesboro requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Murfreesboro, TN
Murfreesboro restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nu...
See how Murfreesboro'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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.