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Overland Park, KS Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

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

Outdoor burning rules in Overland Park, KS, 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

General rule
Open burning of vegetation, leaves, waste is banned
Permit route
IFC Section F-301.0 permit is the only path
Fireplace exception
Enclosed residential fireplaces burning wood/paper are exempt
Disaster exception
City-authorized debris burning after a declared emergency
Enforcer
City of Overland Park under Chapter 7.36
Penalty
Up to $500 fine and/or 6 months jail per day

Summary

Overland Park makes it unlawful to burn vegetation, leaves, waste or other combustible material in the open, unless the burn is specifically allowed under the International Fire Code's open-burning permit section. The ban sits in the solid waste chapter, not the fire code, and applies on top of the city's separate weather-based ban on recreational fires.

G. Burn, or cause or permit the Open Burning of vegetation, leaves, wastes, or other combustible materials, except as specifically permitted by Section F-301.0 of the City's adopted edition of the International Fire Code.

Full Breakdown

0. 150. 200: burning wood, paper or similar material in an enclosed residential fireplace located entirely within a dwelling unit and meeting building and fire code rules; burning disaster or emergency debris by City personnel or their designees on city-owned property when the Governing Body authorizes it; and setting fires to train government or industrial firefighting personnel when the Fire Department approves. 1, which bars open burning, bonfires, recreational fires and portable outdoor fireplaces whenever National Weather Service or NOAA data shows hazardous atmospheric conditions, with only a prescribed-burning exception for wildland fire mitigation.

Between the two provisions, an Overland Park resident has essentially no lawful way to burn yard debris, leaves or household trash in the open without going through the Fire Code's specific permit process.

Violations & Fines

Burning leaves, brush, yard trimmings or trash in the open without qualifying for one of the § 7.36.200 exceptions or an International Fire Code F-301.0 permit violates § 7.36.190(G) and is punishable under the chapter's penalty section, § 7.36.220: a public offense under OPMC § 1.12.010, carrying a fine of up to $500, up to six months in jail, or both, with each day of continued violation charged separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I burn leaves or brush in my yard in Overland Park?
No, not without a permit. Section 7.36.190(G) prohibits burning vegetation, leaves, waste or other combustible material outdoors except as specifically allowed under Section F-301.0 of the city's adopted International Fire Code, so open burning of yard debris generally requires that permit.
Can I still use my fireplace?
Yes. Section 7.36.200(A) exempts burning wood, paper or similar material inside an enclosed fireplace located entirely within a dwelling unit, as long as it meets applicable building and fire code requirements. That exception is separate from the outdoor open-burning ban in § 7.36.190(G).
Is there also a weather-based burn ban?
Yes. Fire Code § 16.320.307.1.1 separately prohibits open burning, bonfires, recreational fires and portable outdoor fireplaces whenever the National Weather Service or NOAA data shows hazardous conditions, with only a narrow exception for authorized prescribed burning to reduce wildland fire risk.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Overland Park

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How Overland Park compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Overland Park to another location·View the Kansas fire regulations overview

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