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Clayton County, GA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Defensible-space law
None (not a wildfire county)
Debris burn ban
May 1 - September 30
Covered counties
54, including Clayton
Off-season burning
GFC permit + 25-foot setback
Rule
Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 391-3-1-.02

Summary

Clayton County has no wildfire defensible-space mandate. If you clear brush, you may not burn the debris from May 1 through September 30 under Georgia's summer ozone burn ban. Outside that window, burning cleared vegetation needs a Georgia Forestry Commission permit.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Clayton County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The Open Burning Ban ... prohibits citizens and businesses from burning yard and land-clearing debris during the summer ozone season ... from May 1 through September 30. Recreational activities such as campfires and grilling are exempt from the open burning ban.

View official code

Full Breakdown

As a densely developed metro-Atlanta county, Clayton has no wildland-urban-interface defensible-space clearance requirement like fire-prone western states. The main rule affecting brush is disposal by burning. Under Georgia EPD Rule 391-3-1-.02, the annual summer burn ban prohibits citizens and businesses from burning yard and land-clearing debris from May 1 through September 30 in the 54 covered counties, which include Clayton. Outside the ban, open burning of cleared natural vegetation is allowed only with a Georgia Forestry Commission permit number and only if kept 25 feet from structures and property lines. Overgrown lots may separately be cited under the county's property-maintenance and weed ordinances.

Violations & Fines

Burning land-clearing debris during the May 1-Sept 30 ban violates state and local law; local open-burning fines reach $1,000 per violation and EPD may pursue additional penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Clayton County require defensible space around my home?
No. Georgia has no statewide wildland-urban-interface clearance law and Clayton, an urban metro county, imposes no defensible-space requirement. Overgrowth is handled under property-maintenance rules instead.
Can I burn brush I cleared in summer?
No. Burning yard and land-clearing debris is prohibited May 1 through September 30 under Georgia's summer ozone burn ban. Haul the debris to a disposal site instead.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Clayton County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsFire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsOutdoor BurningSome RestrictionsFireworksSome RestrictionsSmoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions

All Clayton County rules

Compare Clayton County to another location·View the Georgia fire regulations overview

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