Outdoor burning rules in Denver 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.
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 County, CO
Denver DRMC Chapter 36 sets quiet hours 11 PM–7 AM in residential zones. Residential limit is 55 dBA daytime, 50 dBA nighttime. Violations can reach $5,000/day.
Denver County, CO
Denver has no outright ban on leaf blowers but phases in restrictions on gas-powered commercial landscape equipment. DRMC Chapter 36 noise limits apply, and ...
Denver County, CO
Denver requires driveways to meet setback and width standards. Blocking the public sidewalk is prohibited. Curb cuts require a permit from DOTI.
Denver County, CO
Denver limits large commercial vehicle parking on residential streets to 2 hours. A 2023 ordinance expanded restrictions citywide. Trucks used for active wor...
Denver County, CO
Denver requires a zoning permit for fences between 4–6 feet. Over-height (6+ ft) fences require an additional over-height fence permit. Historic properties r...
Denver County, CO
Colorado's Good Neighbor Fence Act (C.R.S. §35-46-112) applies. Denver does not mandate cost-sharing, but neighbors may negotiate. Disputes over boundary fen...
See how Denver County's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.