Minneapolis, MN Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Minneapolis, MN, 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
- Governing section
- § 47.120
- Refuse burning
- Prohibited citywide, no exceptions
- Treated wood
- Banned for recreational fires, heat, light
- Penalty
- Ordinance violation; license revocation possible
- Enforcement
- Minneapolis Health Department
Summary
Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 47.120 bans burning refuse for disposal anywhere within city limits, and bars property owners from allowing such burning on land they own or control, with no local permit exception.
No person shall intentionally burn refuse for the purpose of disposal within the city nor shall any person in any way cause or participate in the burning of such refuse within the city.
(b)Prohibition on permitting burning. No person shall permit nor allow the burning of refuse for the purpose of disposal on property owned or controlled by such person within the city. For the purpose of this section a property is owned or controlled by a person who has legal ownership of the property, has equitable ownership of the property, has a leasehold interest in the property, occupies a dwelling unit on the property, occupies a business on the property, or has a legal right to occupy the property.(c)No person shall permit nor allow the burning of wood that has been painted, preserved, or chemically treated in any manner for recreational purposes or in order to produce heat or light. (2008-Or-037, § 22, 5-16-08)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
The city's Air Pollution and Environmental Protection code, § 47.120, prohibits burning refuse for disposal purposes anywhere within Minneapolis, and separately makes it unlawful for a property owner, tenant, leaseholder, or occupant to permit refuse burning on property they own, lease, or occupy. The ordinance also bars burning painted, preserved, or chemically treated wood for recreational fires or for heat or light. Violations are ordinance violations enforced under Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 penalty provisions, and the Minneapolis Health Department commissioner can inspect and order corrective action under the chapter's related enforcement sections.
Violations & Fines
Violating § 47.120 is an ordinance violation under Chapter 1/2 penalty provisions; a business license held by the violator may also be revoked under § 47.180(b), and each day of noncompliance is a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn yard waste or trash in my Minneapolis backyard?
Are recreational fire pits allowed if I burn treated wood?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Minneapolis
How Minneapolis compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Minneapolis to another location·View the Minnesota fire regulations overview
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Outdoor Burning in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Hennepin County handle outdoor burning.