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Franklin County, OH Fire Regulations: Fire Pit Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Fire pit rules in Franklin County, OH — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.

Verified 1 month ago|Source: Ohio Fire Code 307.4 →

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Key Facts

Max Size: 3 ft diameter, 2 ft tall
Setback: 25 ft from structures
Fuel: Seasoned firewood only
Permit: Not required

City-specific rules exist: Dublin, Grove City, Westerville, and Columbus have their own fire pit rules rules that differ from Franklin County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Summary

Franklin County recreational fire pits follow Ohio Fire Code Section 307.4: maximum 3-foot diameter, 2-foot pile height, burning only seasoned firewood, and located at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material. Columbus Division of Fire enforces within city; township fire departments enforce elsewhere.

Full Breakdown

Franklin County covers Columbus and 17 townships (Blendon, Brown, Clinton, Franklin, Hamilton, Jackson, Jefferson, Madison, Mifflin, Norwich, Perry, Plain, Pleasant, Prairie, Sharon, Truro, Washington). All jurisdictions adopt the Ohio Fire Code (OAC 1301:7-7) which permits recreational fires in residential yards provided they burn only clean, dry, seasoned firewood and remain under the size limits. A competent adult must be present with a water source or extinguisher until the fire is fully out. Portable outdoor fireplaces sold commercially may be placed 15 feet from structures. Fires producing offensive smoke or that drift onto neighbors may be ordered extinguished by the responding fire officer. Franklin County does not require a permit for backyard recreational fires, but yard waste and trash burning are separately regulated under Ohio EPA OAC 3745-19.

Violations & Fines

Failure to comply with the fire officer's order to extinguish is a minor misdemeanor under ORC 3737.51, carrying fines up to 150 dollars. Repeated or out-of-control fires may be charged as arson-related offenses and the cost of fire department response can be billed to the responsible party.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit in Franklin County?

No. Recreational fires under 3 feet in diameter burning seasoned firewood do not require a permit anywhere in Franklin County, but you must comply with size and setback rules in Ohio Fire Code 307.4.

Can I burn leaves in my fire pit?

No. Ohio EPA rules under OAC 3745-19 prohibit burning yard waste inside Columbus and other urbanized parts of Franklin County. Only clean seasoned wood is allowed in recreational fires.

How does Franklin County compare?

See how Franklin County's fire pit rules rules stack up against other locations.

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Franklin County, OH Fire Regulations: Fire Pit Rules (2026)

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