Outdoor burning rules in Charlotte, NC — also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance — set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Charlotte and Mecklenburg County prohibit most open burning of yard waste, construction debris, and trash within city limits, with narrow exceptions for small recreational fires and certain agricultural burns outside the urban service area.
Mecklenburg County Air Quality enforces open-burning rules that are stricter than the statewide North Carolina Open Burning Rule (15A NCAC 02D .1900). Within Charlotte, residents generally cannot burn leaves, brush, or yard debris and must instead use curbside yard-waste collection. Recreational fires under three feet wide using clean, dry firewood are allowed, but materials such as treated wood, plastics, tires, and household trash are always prohibited. During Code Orange or Red air-quality days, even otherwise legal recreational fires can be suspended by the county.
Violators face civil penalties up to 10000 dollars per day under state air pollution authority; Charlotte Fire may extinguish illegal fires, and repeat offenders can be referred to the District Attorney.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Mecklenburg County.
See how other cities in Mecklenburg County handle outdoor burning.
See how Charlotte's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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