Does Johnson County, IA have its own outdoor burning ordinance?

No. Johnson County, IA does not appear to have a local outdoor burning ordinance, Iowa state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from Iowa Code.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Johnson County

Johnson County, IA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Outdoor burning rules in Johnson County, IA, 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

State rule: IAC 567-23.2
Trash/refuse: Always prohibited
Landscape waste: Only where it grew
Iowa City: Open burning banned

Summary

Iowa's DNR bans open burning of combustible materials by default, allowing landscape waste only on the premises where it grew. Iowa City goes further and prohibits open burning of leaves, yard waste, and trash inside the city, so residents use municipal collection.

City-specific rules exist: Iowa City has its own outdoor burning rules that differ from Johnson County's county-level regulations. If you live in Iowa City, check the city-specific page instead.

No person shall allow, cause or permit open burning of combustible materials, except as provided in 23.2(2) and 23.2(3).

Source: Iowa CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

Open burning is governed by the Iowa DNR under Iowa Administrative Code 567-23.2, which starts from a flat prohibition and then lists narrow exemptions. Burning garbage, trash, or construction debris is never allowed. The rules permit disposing of landscape waste by open burning only on the premises where it grew, but Iowa City prohibits open burning of leaves, yard waste, and similar material within the city, so residents there should bag it for pickup. In unincorporated rural Johnson County, burning your own landscape waste is generally allowed, subject to distance rules and any drought burn ban. Small clean-wood recreational fires are a separate category.

Violations & Fines

Burning trash or refuse violates DNR rules and can bring state enforcement and cleanup liability. Open burning banned by a city ordinance draws a local citation and escalating fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I burn leaves in Johnson County?

Only on the property where they grew, and only where local rules allow. Iowa City bans it inside the city, so use municipal yard-waste collection instead.

Is burning household trash ever allowed?

No. Iowa DNR rules prohibit open burning of garbage and refuse everywhere in the state. Only clean landscape waste on-premises and recreational wood fires may qualify.

Sources & Official References

[1]Iowa Code

Other rules in Johnson County

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All Johnson County rules

How Johnson County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Johnson County to another location·View the Iowa fire regulations overview

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Outdoor Burning in Cities Across Johnson County

Iowa City, IA