Outdoor burning rules in Tucson, AZ — also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance — set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Open burning is generally prohibited in Tucson under Pima DEQ Rule 17.16.090 and Tucson Fire Code. Recreational fires in approved appliances are allowed with restrictions, but burning of yard waste, trash, or land-clearing debris requires a specific permit that is rarely issued inside city limits.
Pima County is a federal nonattainment area for particulate matter, so smoke is tightly regulated. Agricultural burns outside city limits require ADEQ and Pima DEQ permits and can only proceed on approved burn days. Inside Tucson, fire-pit use is limited to manufactured appliances under 3 feet in diameter burning seasoned wood or propane. Burn bans are common from April through June and during monsoon dry spells. The public can check current burn status on the Pima DEQ Smoke Management Program page.
Illegal burning triggers 500 to 2,500 dollar fines plus cost-recovery if fire units respond. Repeated violations and fires causing escape to wildlands may result in misdemeanor criminal charges.
Tucson, AZ
Tucson has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on residential property. Tucson Code Chapter 16 (Neighborhood Pr...
Tucson, AZ
Tucson has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, height, lighting hours, and blower noise are governed by HOA CC&Rs. Tu...
Tucson, AZ
Tucson has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Timing, brightness, and animated displays are governed by HOA CC&Rs in master-planne...
Tucson, AZ
Tucson requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, plumbing, electrical wiring, or structural roofs through the Planning and Development S...
Tucson, AZ
Tucson has no specific city ordinance regulating residential smokers or pellet grills. Smoke nuisance may be addressed under Tucson Code Section 16-31 (exces...
Tucson, AZ
Tucson Fire Department enforces the International Fire Code with local amendments. Per Tucson's BBQ and Open Flame Devices handout, 20-lb propane cylinders m...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Pima County.
See how other cities in Pima County handle outdoor burning.
See how Tucson's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.