Genesee County, MI Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Genesee County, MI, also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance, set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Key Facts
- Never burn
- Plastic, rubber, foam, treated wood
- Permit issuer
- Local fire department
- Genesee Twp permit fee
- $10, good one year
- Genesee Twp fire size
- Max 6 ft diameter, 6 ft high
- Genesee Twp hours
- Sunrise to sunset
Summary
Michigan bans burning household trash containing plastics, and burn permits are issued locally by your fire department. In Charter Township of Genesee, brush fires need a $10 annual permit and may not exceed six feet by six feet.
Such fires shall be a minimum size for the intended purpose but shall not be greater than six (6) feet in diameter and six (6) feet in height... Such fires shall not be started before sunrise and must be completely extinguished by sunset.
Full Breakdown
Michigan prohibits open burning of household trash that contains plastic, rubber, foam, chemically treated wood, textiles, electronics, chemicals or hazardous materials (EGLE). Yard-waste and brush burning is allowed only where the local municipality permits it and often requires a permit issued by the responding fire department. About 23 Genesee County fire departments issue residential/agricultural burn permits. In Charter Township of Genesee, a $10 annual permit is required, cleanup fires are limited to six feet in diameter and six feet high, and must run only from sunrise to sunset. Rules vary by township; some cities ban open burning entirely.
Violations & Fines
In Charter Township of Genesee, an open-burning violation is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn leaves and yard waste?
Do I need a burn permit in Genesee County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Genesee County
How Genesee County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Genesee County to another location·View the Michigan fire regulations overview
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