Eagan, MN Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Eagan, MN, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Yes, from the Eagan fire chief
- Property line setback
- 10 feet minimum for fire pits
- Structure setback
- 25 feet (15 feet for outdoor fireplace)
- Fire size limit
- 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet
- Curfew
- No burning between midnight and 8:00 a.m.
- Fuel allowed
- Dry, clean, unpainted, untreated wood or charcoal
Summary
In the City of Eagan, no recreational fire, including a fire pit, fire bowl, or chiminea, may burn without a permit from the fire department. Eagan City Code § 10.40, Subd. 6 requires fire pits to sit at least ten feet from property lines and 25 feet from combustible structures, with fires capped at three feet by three feet by three feet.
1.Fires must be a minimum of 25 feet from all combustible materials (i.e., dwellings and structures, decks, fences, etc.), except an outdoor fireplace, as defined herein, shall be a minimum of 15 feet from all combustible materials.2.All fires shall be contained within a fire pit, an outdoor fireplace, or fire bowl, chiminea, or any other free-standing container manufactured for the sole purpose of recreational fires. ... 3.Fire pits shall be constructed of and completely surrounded by non-combustible materials, and shall be located a minimum of ten feet from all property lines. ... 11.Prior to igniting any fire, a recreational fire permit shall be issued by the city fire department. 12.No fire shall be allowed during the hours of 12:00 midnight and 8:00 a.m.
Full Breakdown
Eagan City Code § 10.40, Subd. 6 requires a recreational fire permit from the city fire chief before any fire pit, outdoor fireplace, fire bowl, chiminea, or similar free-standing container is lit, valid from issuance through December 31 of that calendar year and renewable annually. Fires must sit at least 25 feet from combustible materials such as dwellings, decks, and fences, except an outdoor fireplace, which needs only 15 feet. Every fire must be contained in a fire pit, outdoor fireplace, fire bowl, chiminea, or another container built solely for recreational fires, and none of those containers may sit on a wood or composite deck or patio.
A fire pit itself must be built of and surrounded by non-combustible material and placed at least ten feet from every property line, and the fire itself cannot exceed three feet by three feet by three feet. Only dry, clean, unpainted, untreated wood cut no longer than three feet, or cooking charcoal, may be burned; chemically treated logs, painted or glued wood, furniture, leaves, or yard waste are barred. No fire is allowed when wind exceeds 15 miles per hour, a garden hose or other extinguishing device must be on hand, an adult over 18 must attend the fire at all times, and no burning is permitted between midnight and 8:00 a.m.
The fire chief can revoke a permit, and refuse to issue a new one, after two or more violations at the same property within 12 months.
Violations & Fines
Burning without a valid recreational fire permit, exceeding the three-by-three-foot size limit, placing a fire pit closer than ten feet to a property line, or burning after midnight violates Eagan City Code § 10.40 and is chargeable as a misdemeanor under § 10.99. Two or more violations at a property within 12 months lets the fire chief revoke the permit and deny a new one for that address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit in Eagan?
How far does a fire pit have to be from my neighbor's property?
What time do I have to put out a recreational fire in Eagan?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Eagan
How Eagan compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Eagan to another location·View the Minnesota fire regulations overview
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