Flint, MI Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Flint, MI, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Allowed use
- Noncommercial cooking fire only
- Permitted fuel
- Charcoal or propane gas only
- Wood fires
- Not a listed exception
- Other-purpose fires
- Need Director's written approval
Summary
The City of Flint allows open fires only for noncommercial cooking, and only if fueled by charcoal or propane gas: no wood-burning fire pits.
No person shall maintain an open fire except as follows.
(1) Fire for noncommercial cooking of food for human consumption. Such fire shall be fueled by charcoal or propane gas only.
(2) Fire for training personnel in methods of fire fighting upon notification by writing to the Director.
(3) Fires for other essential purposes for which written approval has been granted by the Director.
(c) Violation of this section shall be a municipal civil infraction punishable by a fine pursuant to §§ 1-10 through 1-21 .
(Ord. 2494, passed 5-12-1975; Ord. 3623, passed 9-13-2004)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2016 Code: Local legislation current through Ordinance 3821, passed 3-1-2012).
Full Breakdown
Flint's code bans open burning generally but carves out an exception for cooking: § 4-13(b)(1) permits an open fire for noncommercial cooking of food for human consumption, provided that fire is fueled by charcoal or propane gas only. Wood, brush, or other combustible fuel is not among the listed allowances, so a wood-burning backyard fire pit falls outside this exception. Fires for other purposes need the Fire Marshal/Director's written approval under § 4-13(b)(2)-(3). No dimensional setback is specified in the ordinance itself.
Violations & Fines
Maintaining an open fire outside these terms is a municipal civil infraction, fined under City of Flint Code §§ 1-10 through 1-21.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn wood in a backyard fire pit in Flint?
Do I need a permit for a charcoal grill fire?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Flint
How Flint compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Flint to another location·View the Michigan fire regulations overview
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