Cedar Park, TX Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Cedar Park, TX, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Max fuel load
- 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height
- Structure setback
- 25 feet minimum
- Fuel type
- Natural wood only
- Supervision
- Competent adult with water supply
Summary
Cedar Park exempts small recreational fires from its open-burning permit if the fuel load stays under 3 feet wide by 2 feet tall and sits 25 feet from any structure.
An exception shall be a recreational fire as defined by the adopted fire code of the city, and shall be such that the size of the fuel load shall not exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height, and shall be only natural wood materials, shall not be for the purpose of land clearing or waste disposal, and shall comply with all rules set forth by this article, the fire code and the State of Texas, including the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Such recreational fires shall be supervised by a competent adult with an ample water supply, shall be located no closer than 25' to a structure, and shall be sufficiently supervised and contained such that no spread may occur to a distance closer than 25' to a structure or other combustibles, and such that a nuisance is not created. (Ordinance CO41-14-04-10-C8 adopted 4/10/14)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4973212; v14 updated 2026-06-25).
Full Breakdown
Article 5.06's open-burning permit isn't required for a recreational fire as defined by the adopted fire code, provided the fuel load doesn't exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height, uses only natural wood (no land-clearing or waste-disposal burning), and otherwise follows the fire code and TCEQ rules. A competent adult with an ample water supply must supervise the fire, and it must stay at least 25 feet from any structure or other combustibles and be contained so it cannot spread or create a nuisance. Fires exceeding these limits require the same permit as any other open burning.
Violations & Fines
An oversized or unsupervised fire pit, or one closer than 25 feet to a structure, loses its permit exemption and is treated as unpermitted open burning: a misdemeanor with fines up to $2,000 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit in Cedar Park?
How close can a fire pit be to my house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cedar Park
How Cedar Park compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Cedar Park to another location·View the Texas fire regulations overview
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