Ann Arbor, MI Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Ann Arbor, MI, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Allowed use
- Campfires, recreational fire pits
- Condition 1
- No smoke violation or nuisance
- Condition 2
- Must comply with Fire Code § F-2910.13
- Codified at
- City Code § 9:304(3), Ch. 116
Summary
Ann Arbor allows backyard campfires and fire pits only if they create no smoke nuisance and comply with the city's Fire Prevention Code section on open fires.
Open fires may be set for recreational purposes, such as campfires, provided no smoke violation or nuisance is created and Section F-2910.13 of Chapter 111, Title IX, of the Ann Arbor City Code is complied with. (Ord. No. 84-70, 11-9-70)
9:305. - Deletions. Rule 11 (1), Rules 22 through 30 inclusive, Rule 45 and Rules 51 through 54 inclusive of the general rules of the Air Pollution Control Commission are hereby deleted from this chapter.
(Ord. No. 84-70, 11-9-70)
9:306. - Certificate of occupancy not to be issued. The planning and development services unit shall not issue a certificate of occupancy for any building to which the general rules apply unless the owner has obtained the approval of the Air Pollution Control Commission, or has been granted a variance by said commission.
(Ord. No. 84-70, 11-9-70; Ord. No. 43-04, § 37, 1-3-05)
9:307. - Enforcement. The planning and development services unit shall have responsibility for the enforcement of this chapter. Said services unit is hereby specifically authorized to issue appearance tickets for violations of this chapter. An authorized agent of said services unit may enter all premises regulated by this chapter, at reasonable hours, for the purpose of inspecting said premises.
(Ord. No. 84-70, 11-9-70; Ord. No. 43-04, § 37, 1-3-05)
9:308. - Alteration of existing rights of action or remedies.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 26 Update 4).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 9:304(3) permits open fires for recreational purposes, including campfires and fire pits, but conditions that allowance on two things: the fire must not create a smoke violation or nuisance, and it must comply with § F-2910.13 of Chapter 111 (the Fire Prevention Code), which sets the actual size, container, and setback specifications the Fire Marshal enforces separately from this air-quality provision.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 116 carries a fine up to $500 plus prosecution costs or imprisonment up to 90 days under § 9:309, in addition to any separate Fire Code penalties for noncompliant containment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fire pits legal in Ann Arbor backyards?
Does a fire pit need a permit in Ann Arbor?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ann Arbor
How Ann Arbor compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Ann Arbor to another location·View the Michigan fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.