Clayton County, GA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Clayton County, GA, 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
- Distance rule
- 25 feet from structures/property lines
- Permit
- Georgia Forestry Commission number required
- Burn ban
- May 1 - September 30 (no debris)
- Prohibited
- Tires, plastics, lumber, garbage
- Max fine
- $1,000 per violation
Summary
Open burning of natural vegetation is allowed only outside the summer burn ban and must be at least 25 feet from any structure or property line. You must first obtain a Georgia Forestry Commission permit number. Burning man-made materials is always illegal.
The location for open burning of natural vegetation shall not be less than 25 feet from any structure or property line. ... A Georgia Forestry Commission permit number is required prior to any residential or agricultural burning being conducted. ... Persons violating this article shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $1,000.00 per violation.
Full Breakdown
Clayton County Code Chapter 42, Article IV governs open burning. Burning of natural vegetation must be located at least 25 feet from any structure or property line, and provisions must prevent the fire from spreading within 25 feet of any structure. A Georgia Forestry Commission permit number is required before residential or agricultural burning and must be shown to fire personnel on request. Fires are limited to a controllable size as determined by the fire marshal, and commercial burn pits require fire marshal inspection and permitting. Because Clayton is in the metro-Atlanta ozone zone, the state summer burn ban prohibits burning yard and land-clearing debris from May 1 through September 30.
Violations & Fines
Persons violating the open-burning article are subject to a fine not to exceed $1,000.00 per violation; report illegal burning to 911. Summer-ban violations also breach state law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to burn leaves and limbs?
Can I burn household trash?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clayton County
How Clayton County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Clayton County to another location·View the Georgia fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.