Maple Grove, MN Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Maple Grove, MN, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Permit required
- yes, from Maple Grove Fire Dept.
- Max size (open-air)
- 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height
- Setback from combustibles
- 25 ft (15 ft if contained)
- Governing law
- City Code § 18-92(2)-(3)
Summary
Maple Grove requires a recreational fire permit for backyard fire pits and open-air fires, with strict size and setback limits: 3 feet in diameter, 2 feet tall, and 25 feet from combustibles.
c.Open air recreational fire.1.Fires shall not exceed three feet in diameter and two feet in height.2.The fire must be a minimum of 25 feet from all combustible materials.3.Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.d.Fires wholly contained within metal, clay, or concrete devices whether permanent or temporary.1.Shall not be operated within 15 feet of any combustible materials.2.Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 15 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.(4)Prohibited.a.The following materials are prohibited from recreational fires and shall not be burned: chemically treated products, garbage, and yard waste, including, but not limited to, chemically treated fireplace logs, treated, painted, stained, or glued woods, such as plywood or particle board; furniture or other household items, including construction debris; or leaves, grass clippings or garden vegetation.b.Portable unvented fuel-fired heaters, including propane or natural gas, fueled portable outdoor gas-fired heaters and patio fire pits shall not be used indoors or inside any enclosure.c.Brush piles and bush/scrub debris may not be burned and shall be deemed as yard waste. (Code 2003, § 18-78; Ord. No. 20-07, § 1(exh. A), 5-18-2020)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 6 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 18-92(2) requires a recreational fire permit from the Maple Grove Fire Department before burning any recreational fire, including open-air fires and fires in metal, clay, or concrete containers; permits run through December 31 of the issuance year and are only available for private property. Under § 18-92(3)(c), open-air recreational fires cannot exceed three feet in diameter or two feet in height, must sit at least 25 feet from all combustible materials, and any spread hazard within that 25-foot radius must be cleared before lighting. Fires wholly contained in a metal, clay, or concrete device need only a 15-foot combustible clearance. Charcoal, gas, propane, and wood-pellet barbecue grills used to cook food are exempt from the permit requirement.
Violations & Fines
Burning a recreational fire without a permit, undersizing the required clearance, or burning prohibited materials such as treated wood, garbage, or yard waste violates § 18-92 and is enforceable as a misdemeanor under the adopted state fire code penalty provisions in § 18-57; the fire department may also revoke the permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit in Maple Grove?
How far must a Maple Grove fire pit be from my house or fence?
Can I skip the permit if I'm just grilling food?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Maple Grove
How Maple Grove compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Maple Grove to another location·View the Minnesota fire regulations overview
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Fire Pits & Backyard Fires in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Hennepin County handle fire pits & backyard fires.