Johns Creek, GA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Johns Creek, GA, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Location allowed
- Rear yard only
- Max encroachment
- 10 feet into rear setback
- Property-line distance
- At least 10 feet
- Applies to
- Fireplaces and uncovered outdoor kitchens
- Citation
- App. A (Zoning) § 4.3.4.B.2
Summary
Johns Creek's zoning code lets homeowners build outdoor fireplaces and uncovered kitchens only in the rear yard, capping how far they can encroach into the required setback and keeping them at least 10 feet from the property line.
Outdoor fireplaces and outdoor uncovered kitchens, whether standalone or constructed as a part of a patio, retaining wall or other structure, may only be located in the rear yard and may extend no more than 10 feet into the minimum rear yard. In no case shall an outdoor fireplace be located closer than 10 feet to a property line.
Awnings may project to within 5 feet of a side lot line.
3.All Zoning Districts. Architectural features such as cornices, eaves, steps, gutters, fire chases, chimneys which are a part of an exterior wall of the primary structure, and fire escapes may not encroach or project over more than 36 inches into any minimum yard.4.Adjoining Railroads. For those uses which utilize a rail siding for loading and unloading, there shall be no minimum rear yard requirement adjoining the siding.C.Flag Lots. Minimum yards shall not be identified within the stem portion of a flag lot unless such portion, independent of the flag portion, can meet the requirements of 4.2.2. Measurements for a front yard setback shall begin at the point of intersection of the stem and the flag portion of a flag lot running along the property line the most perpendicular to the stem. A flag lot stem shall not be less than 15 feet in width. (Ord. No. 2015-12-42, Exh. A, 1-25-2016)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Under the Johns Creek Zoning Ordinance's yard-encroachment standards, outdoor fireplaces and outdoor uncovered kitchens -- whether freestanding or built into a patio or retaining wall -- may only be located in the rear yard. They can extend no more than 10 feet into the minimum required rear yard, and in no case may an outdoor fireplace sit closer than 10 feet to a property line. The rule applies citywide to single-family and townhouse lots under the ordinance's permitted-encroachment provisions.
Violations & Fines
Installing a fire pit or outdoor fireplace in a front or side yard, or closer than 10 feet to a property line, violates the zoning ordinance's yard-encroachment standard and can draw a code enforcement stop-work order or citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a fire pit in my front yard in Johns Creek?
How close to my property line can a fire pit sit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Johns Creek
How Johns Creek compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Johns Creek to another location·View the Georgia fire regulations overview
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Fire Pits & Backyard Fires in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fulton County handle fire pits & backyard fires.