Outdoor burning rules in Kent County, MI — also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance — set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Michigan law bans open burning of household waste containing plastic, rubber, foam, treated wood, textiles, electronics, or chemicals statewide. Kent County is in the southern Lower Peninsula, so burn permits come from your local fire department or township, not the DNR.
Open burning in Kent County is governed by state law plus township ordinance. The Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA), MCL 324.11539, prohibits open burning of household waste containing plastic, rubber, foam, chemically treated wood, textiles, electronics, chemicals, or hazardous materials — anywhere in the state. Because Kent County lies in the southern Lower Peninsula, the Michigan DNR does not issue burn permits here; residents must obtain any permit from their local fire department or township. Many townships allow burning clean yard debris only, and cities like Grand Rapids prohibit open yard-waste burning entirely.
Open burning of prohibited household waste is a state civil infraction: warning for a first offense within 3 years, up to $75 for a second, and up to $150 for a third. Local ordinances add their own fines.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Kent County's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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