Showing ordinances that apply to Wells Branch, TX
Wells Branch is an unincorporated community (population 14,000) in Travis County, Texas. Because Wells Branch is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, Travis County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The backyard fires rules below are the ones that govern your area.
Backyard recreational fires in unincorporated Travis County must comply with TCEQ 30 TAC 111.219 and active Commissioners Court burn bans. Wood fires require 25-foot clearance, continuous attendance, water/extinguisher, and prohibited during burn bans. Propane chimineas and gas fire pits exempt from burn bans and recommended in WUI areas.
Recreational fires are allowed when no burn ban is in effect, limited to clean firewood (no trash, treated lumber, or construction debris per TCEQ). Fires must be under 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet tall, in a non-combustible container or cleared pit, 25 feet from structures and property lines, attended by an adult, and extinguished completely. During red-flag warnings issued by NWS Austin/San Antonio, wood fires are strongly discouraged. Western Travis County residents in Lakeway, Steiner Ranch, Bee Cave ETJ, and Spicewood should default to gas/propane given Hill Country fuel loads. HOAs in master-planned communities (Steiner Ranch, Circle C, Avery Ranch) often ban open wood fires entirely.
Violating burn ban: up to 500 dollar fine. Escaping fire causing damage: criminal mischief plus civil liability for suppression and neighbor damages, potentially six figures.
See how Wells Branch's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
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