Clifton, NJ Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Clifton, NJ, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Permit required for recreational fires
- no, if in approved container
- Maximum fire diameter
- 3 feet
- Maximum fire height
- 2 feet
- Minimum setback from structures
- 15 feet, rear yard only
- Allowed fuel
- firewood or UL-approved logs only
- Maximum fine per violation
- $1,250
Summary
Clifton allows backyard fire pits, chimineas and outdoor fireplaces without a permit, but caps them at three feet across and two feet tall, requires spark-screened openings, and keeps them 15 feet from any structure. Only firewood or UL-approved logs may burn, and the Fire Chief can order any fire out.
Recreational fires in approved containers shall be allowed without permit and will be subject to the regulations contained herein. Fires shall be limited to a maximum three-foot diameter and two-foot height and must be contained in a noncombustible chiminea, outdoor fireplace, fire pit or other UL-compliant device approved for such purpose. All openings in the container or fire pit must be covered with wire mesh or other screening materials that will prevent the passage of sparks or embers. Fires must be kept in the rear yard at least 15 feet from any structure or combustible exterior wall. Fires must be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4963532; v64 updated 2026-07-21; through 07-21-2026).
Full Breakdown
Clifton Code § 332-14C sets the operative standards for recreational fires. without permit," but subsection (2) limits them to "a maximum three-foot diameter and two-foot height," contained in a noncombustible chiminea, outdoor fireplace, fire pit or other UL-compliant device. " Fires must be constantly attended per subsection (5), and subsection (6) bars any open fire or container on a porch, deck, balcony, under a building overhang, or in any interior room or space. Subsection (7) restricts fuel to firewood as defined in § 332-14B (tree trunks and branches, or UL-approved manufactured logs) and expressly bans burning yard waste, leaves, brush, vines, evergreen needles, branches under two inches in diameter, treated or untreated lumber, garbage or paper products, though kindling to start the fire is allowed.
Subsection (8) lets the Fire Chief, designee, or Health Officer order any fire extinguished immediately if it unreasonably interferes with neighbors' health, safety or welfare. The section was added 11-20-2012 by Ord. No. 7063-12 and is administered by the City's code enforcement department under § 332-14D(1).
Violations & Fines
Under Clifton Code § 332-14D(2), any violation of the recreational fire rules is punishable upon conviction by a fine not to exceed $1,250, and a separate offense is deemed committed for each day the violation occurs or continues, so an oversized or unattended fire left burning across multiple evenings can generate repeated fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit in Clifton?
How close to my house can my fire pit be?
Can I burn yard waste or leaves in my fire pit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clifton
How Clifton compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Clifton to another location·View the New Jersey fire regulations overview
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Fire Pits & Backyard Fires in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Passaic County handle fire pits & backyard fires.