Greeley, CO Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Greeley, CO, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Setback
- 15 feet from any structure
- Permit
- Not required for compliant recreational fires
- Attendance
- Must be constantly attended
- Extinguisher
- Readily available extinguishing method required
- Authority
- Sec. 22-461, Greeley Fire Code
Summary
Greeley lets you skip a burn permit for a fire pit or chiminea if it sits at least 15 feet from any structure, is constantly attended, and you keep an extinguisher ready.
An operational permit is required from the city, for the kindling or maintaining of an open fire or a fire on any public street, alley, road, or other public or private ground. Instructions and stipulations of the permit shall be adhered to. Exception: Recreational fires to include controlled fires in commercially manufactured fire pits and chimineas located at least 15 feet from a structure, constantly attended, and an adequate method of extinguishment readily available. Must also comply with Clean Air Laws.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 6 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Greeley's fire code requires an operational permit for any open fire on public or private ground, but recreational fires are exempt if built in a commercially manufactured fire pit or chiminea. The exception applies only when the fire sits at least 15 feet from any structure, someone is watching it the entire time, and a fire extinguisher or hose is within reach. Fires must also comply with state Clean Air Act rules on outdoor burning. This is a Fire Code amendment adopted under Greeley's Home Rule authority, not a county or state rule.
Violations & Fines
Open burning without a permit, or a recreational fire that isn't in a manufactured pit, is closer than 15 feet to a structure, or is left unattended, is a fire code violation the fire marshal can cite and order extinguished.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit in Greeley?
Can I build a ground-level bonfire in my Greeley backyard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Greeley
How Greeley compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Greeley to another location·View the Colorado fire regulations overview
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