Fire pit rules in Dallas, TX — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Recreational fire pits in approved containers are permitted in Dallas. Open burning is prohibited, but contained fires for cooking and warmth in fire pits, chimeneas, and outdoor fireplaces are allowed.
While Dallas prohibits open burning, recreational fires in approved containers are permitted. Fire pits, chimeneas, and outdoor fireplaces may be used for cooking and warmth. Fires must be in non-combustible containers and maintained at a safe distance from structures (typically 10-15 feet). Fires must be attended at all times with extinguishing means available. Only clean firewood or manufactured fire logs should be burned. Do not burn trash, treated wood, or yard waste. Comply with any burn bans during drought conditions. The DFW ozone nonattainment area may trigger additional restrictions during air quality alerts.
Uncontained fires or burning prohibited materials: Dallas Fire-Rescue enforcement. Fires causing property damage: criminal and civil liability. Air quality violations during ozone alerts: TCEQ penalties.
Dallas, TX
Dallas has no city ordinance regulating residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private property. Property maintenance rules under Dal...
Dallas, TX
Dallas has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Inflatables are permitted on private property subject to right-...
Dallas, TX
Dallas has no city ordinance specifying installation dates, removal deadlines, or brightness limits for residential holiday light displays. Amplified outdoor...
Dallas, TX
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Dallas require multiple permits through the Department of Sustainable Development and Construction: a building permit for the st...
Dallas, TX
Dallas has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Operation is governed by general nuisa...
Dallas, TX
Dallas adopts the 2021 International Fire Code under Dallas City Code Ch. 16 (Fire Prevention). IFC § 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Dallas County.
See how other cities in Dallas County handle fire pit rules.
See how Dallas's fire pit rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.