Outdoor burning rules in Jefferson County, KY — also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance — set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Open burning is generally prohibited throughout Jefferson County under APCD regulations. Burning of yard waste, leaves, garbage, and debris is illegal. Recreational fires in approved fire pits (max 3×3×3 ft) with clean dry firewood are permitted without a permit, subject to air quality conditions.
The Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District (APCD) administers open burning restrictions for all of Jefferson County pursuant to Metro ordinance and 401 KAR 63:005. Burning of tree leaves, garbage, yard clippings, construction debris, fallen branches, and refuse is illegal county-wide. Recreational fires are permitted without a permit when contained in an approved fire pit (max 3×3×3 ft), using clean dry firewood only, with no accelerants, no Air Quality Alerts, and winds under 15 mph. Larger fires require a free APCD Recreational Fire Permit obtained at least 5 working days in advance with notification to the local fire department. Agricultural burns require separate APCD permits. Jefferson County has no rural exemption from these rules — the urban APCD rules apply throughout.
Civil penalty $100–$1,000 per day per violation (LMCO Ch. 94). Each day's violation is a separate offense. Report illegal burning to APCD at 502-574-6000.
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See how Jefferson County's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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