York County, SC Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in York County, SC, 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
- Banned at
- New commercial/industrial/5+ lot sites
- Permitted burn hours
- 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Residential buffer
- 500 feet from another home
- Ozone action days
- All burning prohibited
- Maximum penalty
- $500 fine or 30 days jail
Summary
York County bans open burning of waste, debris, stumps and construction materials at new commercial, industrial and larger residential development sites in the unincorporated county, and even permitted burning is confined to 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Burning hazardous, plastic, tire or household waste is prohibited outright.
(A) Open burning at certain locations prohibited. Open burning of waste, debris, trash, stumps, tree branches, construction and demolition waste, land clearing waste and debris and hazardous waste and materials is prohibited at new commercial, industrial and non-residential development sites not otherwise exempt and at certain new residential development sites in the unincorporated area of York County except as provided herein. ... (D) Restrictions on burning when open burning is permitted. In accordance with the provisions of this section or applicable law, the initial burning, when permitted, must be started only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and no combustible material may be added to the fire between 3:00 p.m. of one day and 9:00 a.m. of the following day.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-49: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 3925, passed 6-16-25).
Full Breakdown
103 prohibits open burning of waste, debris, trash, stumps, tree branches, construction and demolition waste, land-clearing debris and hazardous materials at new commercial, industrial and non-residential development sites, and at new residential developments in the unincorporated county with more than five lots or more than five acres. the next day, and requires a competent person to attend the fire continuously until it is safe to leave. 103(E) bans burning hazardous or toxic substances, asphalt, paint, plastics, metals, treated wood, paper, petroleum products, demolition debris, dead animals outside approved crematoriums, construction debris, household chemicals, household garbage, tires and cardboard even on sites where burning is otherwise allowed.
103(F). 102 bans all burning on state-declared ozone action days. 104 carves out exceptions for yard-trimming fires more than 500 feet from another residence, food-preparation fires, recreational campfires and ceremonial fires conducted safely, prescribed forestry burns, agricultural pest and disease control burns, and game-management burns of brush and vegetable matter.
Violations & Fines
Open burning in violation of Chapter 56's burning subchapter is a public nuisance under Section 56.100 and a misdemeanor under Section 56.999(A), carrying a fine of up to $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both, with each day of unlawful burning a separate offense. The Sheriff's Department and county code enforcement officers enforce the chapter under Section 56.130, and the county can also seek an injunction or abatement order in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn yard debris on my property in unincorporated York County?
What hours can I legally burn?
What can never be burned, even on a site where fires are allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in York County
How York County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare York County to another location·View the South Carolina fire regulations overview
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