Hendersonville, TN Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Hendersonville, TN, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Ground clearance minimum
- 4 inches above grade
- Listing requirement
- Listed for outdoor use
- Low-clearance fix
- Adequate drainage required
- Governing code
- IRC § G2406.4, 2021 ed.
Summary
Hendersonville's amended residential code requires outdoor gas fire pits and gas appliances to be listed for outdoor use, firmly supported, and elevated at least 4 inches above grade, or fitted with drainage to prevent water pooling.
G2406.4 Outdoor Gas Appliances and Fire Pits. Outdoor gas appliances or fire pits shall be approved and listed for outdoor use. Outdoor gas appliances of fire pits shall be firmly supported and shall extend a minimum of 4 inches above the ground. Outdoor gas appliances or fire pits that do not extend 4 inches above the ground shall be provided with adequate drainage to prevent water accumulation within or around the appliance.
(Ord. 1991-9, Feb. 1991, Ord. 2005-26, August 2005, Ord. 2013-13, March 2013, Ord. 2018-46, Jan. 2019, Ord. 2023-27, Jan. 2024; Ord. No. 2025-04, § 1, 4-8-2025)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
The city's residential code amendments add Section G2406.4, covering any outdoor gas-fueled fire pit or appliance on residential property. The unit must be approved and listed specifically for outdoor use and firmly supported. Units that clear at least 4 inches of ground clearance meet the standard outright; anything lower must include adequate drainage so water cannot pool in or around the appliance. This sits inside the city's adopted Residential Code (Title 12, Chapter 2), so gas fire pit installs fall under the same permitting and enforcement structure as other regulated gas-fuel work, administered by the Hendersonville Building Official.
Violations & Fines
Fire pits or gas appliances installed without the required outdoor-use listing, support, clearance, or drainage can be red-tagged by the Building Official and are enforced under the adopted Residential Code's permit and penalty provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high must a gas fire pit sit above the ground?
What if my fire pit sits lower than 4 inches?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hendersonville
How Hendersonville compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Hendersonville to another location·View the Tennessee fire regulations overview
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