Universal City allows recreational backyard fires for cooking, warmth, and pleasure when they meet IFC 307 size and setback requirements and no Bexar County burn ban is in effect.
A backyard recreational fire in Universal City is governed by International Fire Code Section 307.4.2 as adopted through the city fire code. Fires must have a fuel area no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height, must be located at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material unless contained in an approved outdoor fireplace or portable pit with a 15 foot setback, and must be constantly attended by an adult with a means of extinguishment available. Only clean, dry firewood or charcoal may be used; burning of leaves, garbage, construction debris, or treated lumber is prohibited. The Fire Marshal may prohibit backyard fires during drought, high wind advisories, or Bexar County burn bans. Homeowner association rules may impose additional restrictions in neighborhoods like Northview Estates or Olympia Hills, and tenants should check lease terms before lighting a fire. Fires that create a nuisance from smoke or embers can be ordered extinguished and may result in fines.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Universal City, TX
Outdoor live and recorded music in Universal City must comply with the general noise ordinance and stop by 10:00 PM unless a special event permit is granted.
Universal City, TX
Amplified music audible beyond a property line in Universal City can trigger a noise violation at any time, with stricter enforcement between 10:00 PM and 7:...
Universal City, TX
Universal City relies primarily on a plainly audible standard rather than specific dBA limits, though zoning performance standards for commercial and industr...
Universal City, TX
Universal City restricts parking of RVs, travel trailers, and boats in residential front yards and public streets, typically requiring storage in the side or...
Universal City, TX
Universal City generally allows on-street parking on public streets but prohibits parking on sidewalks, within 15 feet of fire hydrants, and in posted no-par...
Universal City, TX
Universal City generally allows overnight on-street parking for residential vehicles but prohibits leaving any vehicle in one spot for over 24 hours and bans...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Bexar County.
See how other cities in Bexar County handle backyard fires.
See how Universal City's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.