Jefferson County, CO Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Jefferson County, CO, 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
- Permit issuer
- Jefferson County Public Health
- Elevation rule
- 6,400 ft and above only
- Permit fee
- $80 per application
- Processing time
- 10–15 working days
- During restrictions
- No permits issued
Summary
Open burning in unincorporated Jeffco requires an Open Burn Permit from Jefferson County Public Health, issued only for agricultural or forest-management burning at 6,400 feet elevation and above. Permits cost $80 and are never issued during a fire restriction or ban.
“Jefferson County Public Health will not issue or approve any Open Burn Permits during a Fire Restriction (Stage One) or a Fire Ban (Stage Two).” Permits are issued for agricultural and forest management burning located at 6,400 feet or above only.
Full Breakdown
Jefferson County Public Health regulates open burning. Permits are issued only for "agricultural and forest management burning located at 6,400 feet or above only"; below that elevation, yard debris is treated as household rubbish and cannot be burned. Applications go through the Public Health Portal, cost $80, and take 10–15 working days to process. Most fire departments allow burning only when snow cover is present, and burners must check air-quality forecasts and red-flag warnings. Critically, Public Health "will not issue or approve any Open Burn Permits during a Fire Restriction (Stage One) or a Fire Ban (Stage Two)" declared by the Sheriff. Tree slash should be chipped or hauled to slash-collection sites rather than burned.
Violations & Fines
Burning without a required permit, or during a fire restriction, is unlawful open burning subject to Sheriff enforcement and fines up to $600.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn yard waste at my Jeffco home?
How much does an open burn permit cost?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jefferson County
How Jefferson County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Jefferson County to another location·View the Colorado fire regulations overview
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