Wauwatosa, WI Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)

050, adopted by Ord. O-03-7 in 2003, requires that no outdoor fireplace be constructed in the city unless it is fixed in a location conforming to the building setback regulations that apply to other structures on the lot; it does not print its own separate numeric setback, so a fireplace must meet whatever setback already governs an accessory structure on that property. An existing, permanently located outdoor fireplace that predates the code is grandfathered as long as it is not otherwise unsafe. The same section requires that no outdoor fireplace or portable grill be used for cooking or preparing food unless a competent person constantly supervises it while it contains burning materials, so leaving a fire pit or grill unattended while lit is itself a violation.

050 outdoor fireplace for any purpose other than the one it was designed for, and bars creating or permitting a fire in a manner that lets sparks or burning embers escape. 070 requires a permit from the Wauwatosa fire department for kindling and maintaining any open fire outdoors, obtained at least forty-eight hours in advance, with a fee set in the city's consolidated fee schedule. 080 additionally lets the fire department or health officer suspend all outdoor burning, fire pits included, during hazardous weather.