Troy, MI Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Troy, MI, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Permit
- not required for a compliant ground fire
- Setback
- 25 feet from structure or combustible material
- Size cap
- 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height
- Fuel limit
- seasoned firewood or commercial charcoal only
- Extinguish order
- fire or police official can order it out
- Default penalty
- up to $500 fine, 90 days jail
Summary
Troy lets residents run a small outdoor ground fire, the Code's term for a backyard fire pit, without a permit, as long as it stays at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material. Section 307.4.4 also caps the fire itself at 3 feet across and 2 feet tall.
GROUND FIRE. An outdoor fire for the purpose of viewing or warming, or utilized to cook food for human consumption, or for ceremonial purposes, which burns only seasoned dry firewood or commercially available charcoal briquettes intended to minimize the generation of air contaminants. ... 307.4.4 Ground Fires. Ground fires shall not be conducted within 25' of a structure or combustible material. Conditions that cause a fire to spread within 25' of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition. Ground fires shall be the minimum size for the intended purpose, but not larger than 3 feet (914 mm) in diameter and 2 feet (610 mm) in height and shall be contained in a safe manner.
Full Breakdown
4 then sets the operating rules: "Ground fires shall not be conducted within 25' of a structure or combustible material. Conditions that cause a fire to spread within 25' of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition. 2 requires a permit for, a ground fire, a typical backyard fire pit, is not on that permit list, so a compliant fire pit can be lit without prior fire-department approval. 1 separately bans burning waste material outright. 2 separately bars storing combustible rubbish within 10 feet of a structure, a related setback that keeps fuel away from any fire on the property.
Violations & Fines
A ground fire or fire pit that ignores the 25-foot setback, exceeds the 3-foot-by-2-foot size cap, or burns anything besides seasoned firewood or commercial charcoal falls back on the Code's general penalty, Section 1.13: up to a $500 fine, up to 90 days in jail, or both, with the fire code official or police empowered to order it put out immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit in Troy?
How far from my house does a Troy fire pit have to be?
How big can a Troy fire pit fire be?
Can Troy order me to put out my fire pit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Troy
How Troy compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Troy to another location·View the Michigan fire regulations overview
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Fire Pits & Backyard Fires in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Oakland County handle fire pits & backyard fires.