Outdoor burning rules in Matthews, NC — also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance — set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Matthews prohibits open burning of yard waste within town limits. NC DEQ 4 PM rule applies regionally: no burning after 4 PM. Mecklenburg County air quality rules further restrict burning in the urban area.
Matthews lies within Mecklenburg County where Mecklenburg County Air Quality (MCAQ) enforces stricter open burning rules than the statewide NCGS 106-942. Burning leaves, yard debris, or construction material within town limits is generally prohibited year-round due to air quality non-attainment status. The statewide NC Forest Service 4 PM rule (no burning between 6 PM and 8 AM, with burning only allowed before 4 PM when a permit applies) is the floor, but Mecklenburg is more restrictive. Land-clearing and construction debris burning requires MCAQ permits.
Illegal open burning: MCAQ civil penalty up to 10,000 dollars per day. Matthews Fire-EMS may extinguish and cite.
Matthews, NC
Vehicle noise in Matthews is regulated under state law N.C.G.S. 20-128 requiring functional mufflers, plus local provisions prohibiting loud exhaust, revving...
Matthews, NC
Matthews enforces nighttime quiet hours from 11 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and 11 PM to 8 AM on weekends under the Town Code noise provisions, with plainly audib...
Matthews, NC
Matthews does not have a leaf-blower-specific ordinance; operation is governed by general noise and construction-hour restrictions in the Town Code.
Matthews, NC
Construction activity in Matthews is generally permitted 7 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday with Sunday restrictions, consistent with Mecklenburg County co...
Matthews, NC
Amplified music in Matthews requires special event permits when held outdoors in public spaces; residential amplified sound is subject to the plainly audible...
Matthews, NC
Aircraft noise in Matthews is governed exclusively by federal FAA regulations; local ordinances cannot regulate aircraft operations or altitudes.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Mecklenburg County.
See how other cities in Mecklenburg County handle outdoor burning.
See how Matthews's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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