Chattanooga, TN Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Chattanooga, TN, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Governing rule
- Sec. 4-41, Rule 6.4(1)
- Max size
- 3 ft diameter, 2 ft high
- Permit needed
- None, if within the exemption
- Allowed fuel
- Seasoned wood, gas, charcoal, pellets
- Nuisance limit
- No smoke/ash beyond property line
Summary
Chattanooga exempts small cooking, ceremonial, and recreational fires, including backyard fire pits, from its open-burning permit requirement, but caps them at 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high and requires clean fuel only.
Fires used only for cooking of food or for ceremonial or recreational purposes (recreational fires are limited in size to three (3) feet in diameter and two (2) feet high), including barbecues and outdoor fireplaces, but only if such fires are fueled with clean fuel for that particular purpose (clean seasoned wood, gas, charcoal, wood pellets, or fire logs).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 40 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Under Rule 6.4(1) of the city's Air Pollution Control Regulations (Sec. 4-41), fires used only for cooking, ceremonial, or recreational purposes, including backyard fire pits and outdoor fireplaces, are allowed without the Rule 6.3 burn permit, provided they stay within 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high and burn only clean fuel: seasoned wood, gas, charcoal, wood pellets, or fire logs. Smoke or ash may not create a nuisance beyond the property line, and the fire may never be left unattended; it must be fully extinguished once its purpose is complete.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the 3 ft by 2 ft size limit or burning prohibited material turns the fire into unlawful open burning under Rule 6.1: a $50 misdemeanor fine per violation in city court, plus board civil penalties up to $25,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit in Chattanooga?
What fuel can I burn in a recreational fire pit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chattanooga
How Chattanooga compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Chattanooga to another location·View the Tennessee fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.