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

Fire pit placement in Minnetonka comes from section 307 of the fire code as rewritten by § 910.020 of the city code. Item 307.4.2 says recreational fires must not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material. The structure distance does not apply to a nonmoveable fire pit that existed prior to June 24, 2017, which protects older built-in pits. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure must be eliminated prior to ignition. Separately, fire pits must be located a minimum of 10 feet from any property line.

Portable outdoor fireplaces have a shorter setback. Item 307.4.3 requires them to be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and not operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material. Section 910.005 defines a portable outdoor fireplace as a portable, outdoor, solid-fuel-burning fireplace that can be constructed of steel, concrete, clay or other noncombustible material, either open in design or fitted with a small hearth opening and short chimney.

What can go in the fire is limited by 307.4.4: wood burned in a recreational fire or portable outdoor fireplace must be dry, aged wood and a minimum of one inch in diameter, and no trash, brush, leaves or treated lumber may be burned. A permit is also required: 307.2 calls for an annual permit from the fire department, and 307.5 requires the fire to be constantly attended until extinguished, with at least one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating, or dirt, sand, a water barrel, a garden hose or a water truck, available for immediate use. The fire chief or designee can order any fire extinguished under 307.3 if it is hazardous, its smoke is unreasonably offensive or injurious, or the permit is missing.