Lakeville, MN Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)

City Code section 8-4-2 defines a recreational fire as a fire no more than three feet in diameter, completely surrounded by non-combustible, non-smoke-producing material such as natural rock, cement, brick, tile, blocks, or ferrous metal; burning barrels do not qualify. A recreational fire site cannot sit closer than 25 feet to any structure or combustible material. Section 8-4-3 adopts Minnesota Statutes chapter 88 by reference for open burning generally, and lets the City be more restrictive, which it has done through the recreational fire rules.

Subsection C prohibits open burning without a permit obtained through the Lakeville Fire Department on a DNR form, with a Council-set fee, but subsection E exempts a recreational fire that follows the chapter's requirements from needing that permit. Those requirements, in subsection F, bar a recreational fire during a burning ban or air quality alert, require fire suppression equipment on hand, require constant adult attendance with no smoldering allowed, require at least 10 feet of clearance from property lines, prohibit the fire when winds exceed 15 miles per hour, and bar smoke that unreasonably impacts neighbors.

Subsection G separately bars burning prohibited materials such as tires, treated or painted wood, tar paper, insulation, sheet rock, wiring, hazardous waste, demolition debris, food waste, and leaves, brush, or grass clippings in any open fire, recreational or otherwise. The Fire Chief or the Chief's authorized representative enforces this chapter.