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Kane County, IL Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

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

Outdoor burning rules in Kane County, IL, 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

Leaves/grass in many ZIPs
Prohibited at any time
Allowed hours
Sunny days 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Max pile size
6'x6'x6'
Wind limit
No burning over 10 mph
Garbage/chemicals
Always prohibited

Summary

Kane County regulates open burning by ZIP code. In many unincorporated ZIP codes, burning "Landscape Waste" (grass, leaves, weeds) is prohibited at any time; only brush may be burned. Other ZIP codes allow dry landscape waste and brush under standard restrictions.

City-specific rules exist: Aurora, and Elgin have their own outdoor burning rules that differ from Kane County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Burning of "Landscape Waste" is prohibited at any time. "Brush" may be burned when following the Standard Restrictions below. The burning of any materials besides "Brush" is prohibited and punishable.

Full Breakdown

Effective January 1, 2003, in listed unincorporated ZIP codes (e.g., 60102, 60110, 60120, 60123, 60134, 60174, 60506) "Burning of 'Landscape Waste' is prohibited at any time" and only brush may be burned. In other ZIP codes (60109, 60119, 60140, 60142, 60147, 60178, 60511, 60554, etc.) burning of dry landscape waste and brush is permitted. Standard restrictions apply everywhere: burn only on the property where waste was generated, only on sunny days 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., pile no larger than 6'x6'x6', not when wind exceeds 10 mph, at least 20 feet from any building or property line, and never during inversion conditions or ozone alerts. Burning garbage, hazardous materials or chemicals is always prohibited.

Violations & Fines

A fine up to $500 shall punish any person who violates any provision. Enforced by the Kane County Health Department; after-hours by the Sheriff's Office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I burn leaves in unincorporated Kane County?
It depends on your ZIP code. In many unincorporated ZIP codes leaf and landscape-waste burning is banned entirely; in others it is allowed for dry waste under the standard restrictions. Check the county's ZIP lists.
What hours is open burning allowed?
Only on sunny days between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., when wind is under 10 mph, and never during announced inversions or ozone alerts.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Kane County

All Kane County rules

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

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Outdoor Burning in Cities Across Kane County