Outdoor burning rules in Cleveland, OH — also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance — set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Open burning in Cleveland requires a permit from the Commissioner per §277.09. Cleveland Division of Air Quality limits burn size to 5x5x5 feet. Recreational cooking fires and fire pits under Ohio EPA limits (3 ft diameter, 2 ft high) may be exempt.
Cleveland Codified Ordinances §277.09 requires a permit for open burning, applied for through the Commissioner. Cleveland Division of Air Quality caps open burn size at 5 feet by 5 feet by 5 feet — permits may take two weeks to obtain. Exemptions exist for non-commercial cooking for human consumption, heating tar/welding/highway flares, and heating clean fuels for warmth of outdoor workers. Ohio EPA OAC 3745-19 allows recreational fires up to 3 ft diameter and 2 ft high using clean seasoned firewood or natural gas without state notification, but Cleveland's local rules are stricter and may require permits even for smaller fires.
Operating without a permit may result in citations from the Division of Air Quality or Fire Department.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cuyahoga County.
See how other cities in Cuyahoga County handle outdoor burning.
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