Norfolk, VA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Norfolk, VA, 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
- Leaf Burning
- Banned citywide
- 4 PM Law
- VA 10.1-1142 Feb 15 to Apr 30
- Burn Barrels
- Prohibited
- Yard Waste
- Bagged curbside collection
- Permit
- Ceremonial fires only
Summary
Norfolk prohibits most open burning within city limits under City Code Chapter 16 and the Virginia Statewide Air Pollution Control Regulations. The Virginia 4 PM Burn Law (Feb 15 to April 30) applies but is largely superseded by the urban burn ban.
§ 10.1-1142 . Regulating the burning of woods, brush, etc.; penalties. A. It shall be unlawful for any owner or lessee of land to set fire to, or to procure another to set fire to, any woods, brush, logs, leaves, grass, debris, or other inflammable material upon such land unless he previously has taken all reasonable care and precaution, by having cut and piled the same or carefully cleared around the same, to prevent the spread of such fire to lands other than those owned or leased by him.
Full Breakdown
As an incorporated urban jurisdiction, Norfolk prohibits open burning of leaves, yard waste, construction debris, and household trash under City Code Chapter 16 and 9 VAC 5-130 (Virginia air pollution regulations for open burning). Only three types of fires are permitted: recreational cooking fires under IFC 307.4.2, small ceremonial bonfires with a Fire Marshal permit, and approved land clearing by commercial operators with VDEQ air permits. Statewide, Virginia Code 10.1-1142 prohibits burning within 300 feet of woodland or brushland before 4 PM from February 15 through April 30 (the 4 PM Burn Law), but Norfolk urban burn ban is stricter and year-round. Yard waste must be bagged for City collection or taken to the Hampton Roads Sanitation District. Burn barrels are prohibited.
Violations & Fines
Class 3 misdemeanor under VA Code 10.1-1142 (up to 500 dollars) for 4 PM Burn Law violations; Norfolk civil penalties up to 500 dollars per occurrence; VDEQ fines up to 32,500 dollars per day for serious air violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn leaves in the fall in Norfolk?
What is the Virginia 4 PM Burn Law?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Norfolk
How Norfolk compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Norfolk to another location·View the Virginia fire regulations overview
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