Sioux City, IA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Sioux City, IA, 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
- Permit required
- yes, from fire code official
- Leaf burning
- prohibited absent Council approval
- Landscape waste permit fee
- $20/day, $30/2 days
- Governing section
- § 19.04.307.4
Summary
Sioux City requires a fire code official's permit before any open burning on the ground or in an unapproved container, and bans leaf burning entirely unless the City Council specifically approves a landscape-waste burning season.
307.4 Open burning. A permit shall be obtained from the fire code official to conduct any type of burning on the ground or in an unapproved container. The conditions set forth on the permit must be followed. Leaf burning is prohibited without specific approval of the City Council. The City Council may, by resolution, permit open burning of landscape waste city-wide in the appropriate season without a permit on such dates and under circumstances as the City Council may prescribe." 307.4.1 Bonfires. Bonfires shall not be conducted in the City without a permit being issued.
307.4.2 Portable outdoor fireplaces. The use of portable outdoor fireplaces, outdoor fire pits, chimneas, and the like are allowed under the following restrictions:
1. The device shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
2. The device shall not be used on a combustible surface such as a wooden deck.
3. The device shall not be used within fifteen (15) feet of any combustible building including overhangs.
4. The device shall have a screen or other protective cover to prevent sparks and embers from being distributed.
5. Only dry, seasoned firewood or manufactured fire logs such as a "Dura-Flame" log shall be used.
6. Winds must remain below 15 miles per hour.
7. A source of water must be readily available." (Ord. 2025-1021; 2015-0727)
Effective on: 11/10/2025
Full Breakdown
Sioux City Municipal Code § 19.04.307.4 (2024 IFC § 307.4, as locally amended) requires a permit from the fire code official before burning anything on the ground or in an unapproved container, with permit conditions strictly enforced. Leaf burning is flatly prohibited unless the City Council separately approves it. The Council can instead authorize a city-wide, no-permit landscape-waste burning window by resolution for a set season. The fire code fee schedule (Table 19.04.105.1.1(a)) prices a landscape-waste burn permit at $20/day or $30 for two days, and a commercial tree burn at $200 for the first three days plus $50/day after.
Violations & Fines
Burning without a permit or violating permit conditions is a municipal infraction under § 19.04.113.4: each day the violation continues after notice is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to burn leaves in Sioux City?
What does an open burning permit cost?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sioux City
How Sioux City compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Sioux City to another location·View the Iowa fire regulations overview
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