Fire pit rules in Columbus, OH — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Columbus permits fire pits meeting commercial standards with screen top or chimney. Must maintain 15-foot setback from structures. Open-flame fires limited to clean seasoned firewood or natural gas. Smoke complaints can result in forced extinguishment.
Columbus follows Ohio Fire Code (OAC 1301:7-7) for recreational fires. Approved fire pits must be 25+ feet from structures and combustible materials. Maximum 3-foot diameter for wood-burning pits. Fire must be attended at all times with extinguishing means nearby. No burning of trash, treated wood, or construction debris. Gas/propane fire pits generally exempt from size restrictions. County burn bans during drought conditions may restrict all open flames.
Illegal burning: $100 to $500. Ohio EPA open burning violation (OAC 3745-19): $100 to $500/day. Causing a fire: criminal charges possible.
Columbus, OH
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Franklin County.
See how other cities in Franklin County handle fire pit rules.
See how Columbus's fire pit rules rules stack up against other locations.
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