Showing ordinances that apply to South Hempstead, NY
South Hempstead is an unincorporated community (population 3,406) in Nassau County, New York. Because South Hempstead is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, Nassau County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The fire pit rules rules below are the ones that govern your area.
Nassau County permits residential fire pits under local town codes with NYSDEC setback requirements. Most Nassau towns require fire pits be at least 15 feet from structures and property lines, use only seasoned wood (no trash, leaves, or construction debris), and be attended at all times with a water source or extinguisher nearby.
Fire pit regulations across Nassau County incorporate NYSDEC 6 NYCRR Part 215 open burning rules combined with town-level fire prevention codes administered by the Nassau County Fire Marshal. Portable outdoor fireplaces, chimineas, and masonry fire pits are generally allowed. Burning household trash, leaves, or yard waste is prohibited statewide. Fires must be small (typically under 3 feet diameter), contained in a non-combustible enclosure, and fully extinguished before leaving. FREDA (Fire & Rescue Emergency Dispatch Association) volunteer departments enforce violations alongside town code officers.
Fines typically range from $100 to $500 for a first violation of local fire codes. Burning prohibited materials or creating a nuisance can result in NYSDEC fines up to $2,500 per day. Fires that escape containment may trigger reckless endangerment charges.
See how South Hempstead's fire pit rules rules stack up against other locations.
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