Lakeville, MN Fire Regulations: Fire Pit Rules (2026)

Lakeville's recreational fire rules sit in City Code 8-4-3 (Open Burning) and are summarized by the Fire Department. A recreational fire is defined as a fire no more than three feet (3') in diameter, completely surrounded by non-combustible and non-smoke or odor-producing material such as natural rock, cement, brick, tile, blocks or ferrous metal; burning barrels are expressly not considered a recreational fire site. The fire site must be located at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material and at least 10 feet from property lines. A compliant fire pit needs no permit. Operational rules require that the fire be attended by an adult at all times and that it never be allowed to smolder; appropriate communication and fire-suppression equipment (such as a hose or extinguisher) must be available. Recreational fires are not permitted when winds exceed 15 miles per hour, when a burning ban or air-quality alert is in effect, and may not unreasonably impact neighboring property owners. The Fire or Police Department may order any fire discontinued. Because the city adopts the Minnesota State Fire Code (City Code 8-4-1), portable manufactured outdoor fireplaces and fire pits must also be used per their listing and the State Fire Code provisions.