Atlantic County, NJ Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- Brush Burning
- Prohibited
- State Rule
- N.J.A.C. 7:27-2.3
- Disposal
- Chip or haul
- Agency
- NJDEP
Summary
New Jersey has no statewide defensible-space mandate for homeowners. Burning brush to clear it is prohibited under N.J.A.C. 7:27-2.3, which bars disposing of any type of plant by open burning across Atlantic County.
No person shall cause, suffer, allow or permit the disposal of any type of plant by open burning.
Full Breakdown
Atlantic County residents cannot dispose of brush, branches, or yard growth by burning. N.J.A.C. 7:27-2.3, enforced by the NJDEP, prohibits open burning of any type of plant, fallen leaves, and refuse throughout the state. Clearing vegetation is handled by chipping, hauling, or municipal yard-waste pickup rather than fire. In the Pinelands townships, Galloway, Hamilton, Mullica, and Hammonton, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service runs prescribed burns and encourages homeowners to keep pitch pine and scrub oak trimmed back from structures, but that work is not a license for open burning. Egg Harbor Township and Absecon enforce these limits alongside municipal property-maintenance codes requiring overgrown lots to be cleared.
Violations & Fines
Illegal open burning of brush or leaves is enforced by NJDEP and local officials, with penalties that can reach thousands of dollars per day under the Air Pollution Control Act, plus suppression costs if a fire spreads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn brush to clear my yard?
How do I clear brush legally?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Atlantic County
Compare Atlantic County to another location·View the New Jersey fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.