Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Scott County

Scott County, MN Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

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

Outdoor burning rules in Scott County, 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

Township Permit
MN DNR required
Jordan Area
Permit via City of Jordan
Legal Fuel
On-site vegetation only
Never Burn
Garbage, plastic, treated wood

Summary

Burning brush or yard waste in Scott County townships requires a Minnesota DNR open-burn permit. Cities restrict or ban open burning. Garbage, plastic, and treated wood may never be burned.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Scott County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Permission to start a fire to burn vegetative materials and other materials allowed by Minnesota Statutes or official state rules and regulations may be given by the commissioner or the commissioner's agent.

Source: Minnesota StatutesView official code

Full Breakdown

In Scott County's unincorporated townships, open burning of tree debris and vegetation requires a permit from the Minnesota DNR, obtained through the state's online burn-permit system: except in the Jordan fire service area, which permits through the City of Jordan. Permits are suspended during dry spells and high fire danger. Only vegetative material grown on site may burn; the MPCA bars burning garbage, cardboard, plastics, treated or painted wood, pallets, and construction debris statewide. Cities including Shakopee, Savage, and Prior Lake are more restrictive, generally allowing only small recreational fires. Yard waste should go to compost or collection instead.

Violations & Fines

Burning without a required DNR permit, or burning prohibited materials, is a misdemeanor carrying fines up to $1,000 and 90 days in jail, plus the cost of any escaped fire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to burn brush in Scott County?
In the townships, yes: a Minnesota DNR open-burn permit. Jordan-area residents permit through the city. Cities largely ban open burning.
Can I burn household garbage or leaves?
No. The MPCA prohibits burning garbage, plastics, and treated wood statewide. Many cities also bar burning leaves; use compost or collection.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Scott County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsFireworksHeavy RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Neighbor Fence RulesSome Restrictions

All Scott County rules

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

Get notified when Outdoor Burning in Scott County, MN changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.