Davenport, IA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Davenport, IA, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Clearance
- 25 ft from structures
- Max Size
- 8 ft wide, 4 ft high
- Permit
- None for recreational fires
- Never Burn
- Trash, leaves, treated wood
- Gas Pits
- 15 ft; homes exempt
Summary
Davenport allows backyard recreational wood fires without a permit if kept under eight feet wide, four feet high, at least 25 feet from any structure, and constantly attended with a hose or extinguisher ready.
RECREATIONAL FIRE — Shall mean the burning of wood for pleasure, cooking or similar purposes, either contained in a receptacle originally designed and manufactured for such purpose; or uncontained so long as the fire being burned has a total wood fuel area of not more than eight feet in diameter and four feet in height
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4820400; v43 updated 2026-03-11; through 03-11-2026).
Full Breakdown
Davenport Municipal Code 15.32.030 treats a backyard fire as a recreational fire, burning clean wood for pleasure or cooking, either in a manufactured fire pit or uncontained if the fuel area stays under eight feet across and four feet high. It must sit at least 25 feet from the nearest structure or combustible material, and a competent adult with a connected garden hose or fire extinguisher must attend it until it is out. No permit is needed, but only clean wood burns, never trash, leaves, or treated lumber. Permanent gas fire features must sit 15 feet from a structure, though one- and two-family homes are exempt. In dry spells the fire marshal can ban open flame citywide.
Violations & Fines
Burning banned materials, leaving a fire unattended, or defying a burn ban is a simple misdemeanor fined up to $625, or a municipal infraction with a civil penalty up to $750 first offense and $1,000 for repeats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a backyard fire pit in Davenport?
Can I burn leaves or trash in my fire pit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Davenport
How Davenport compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Davenport to another location·View the Iowa fire regulations overview
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