Outdoor burning rules in Denver, 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.
Denver bans open wood burning year-round without a permit. Propane and natural gas fire features are allowed. The metro area also bans all wood burning Nov 1–Mar 31.
The City and County of Denver prohibits open burning of wood — including fire pits, chimineas, bonfires, and burning barrels — without a Denver Fire Department permit. The prohibition applies year-round. Additionally, the seven-county Denver/Boulder metro area bans all wood burning (including in indoor fireplaces) from November 1 through March 31 under RAQC/CDPHE air quality rules to protect air quality. Propane and natural gas outdoor fire features are generally permitted as cleaner-burning alternatives. Cooking on charcoal or propane grills is allowed. Violations carry fines up to $999.
Fines up to $999 for unauthorized open burning.
Denver, CO
Denver's Zoning Code allows residential lawn ornaments and statuary without permits provided they do not exceed accessory-structure height limits in DZC Arti...
Denver, CO
Denver does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. Blower-motor noise falls under DRMC 36-6 (Noise) limits, lighted inflata...
Denver, CO
Denver has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. DRMC Chapter 36 (Noise) governs amplified outdoor displays, DZC Ar...
Denver, CO
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Denver require permits from Community Planning and Development whenever the project includes gas piping, electrical, plumbing, o...
Denver, CO
Backyard wood and pellet smokers are allowed at single-family Denver homes but are governed by DRMC Chapter 4 (Air Pollution Control) and Colorado Department...
Denver, CO
Denver Fire Code (DRMC Title 9, adopting IFC 2018 with amendments) Section 308.1.4 prohibits charcoal grills and LP-gas containers over 1 lb on combustible b...
See how Denver's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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