Westerville, OH Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Westerville, OH, 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
- Status
- Banned (restricted area)
- Authority
- Ohio EPA OAC 3745-19
- Leaves
- Bag for collection
- Recreational
- Exempt if compliant
- Max Fine
- 25,000 dollars per day
Summary
Open burning is prohibited in Westerville under Ohio EPA OAC 3745-19 because Westerville is within a restricted area (population over 1,000 and within 1,000 feet of an inhabited building). Only small recreational fires allowed.
(A) No person or property owner shall cause or allow open burning in a restricted area except as provided in paragraphs (B) to (D) of this rule or in section 3704.11 of the Revised Code. (B) Open burning shall be allowed for the following purposes without notification to or permission from the Ohio EPA: (1) Heating tar, welding, acetylene torches, highway safety flares, heating for warmth of outdoor workers and strikers, smudge pots and similar occupational needs.
Full Breakdown
Ohio EPA Air Pollution Control rule OAC 3745-19-03 prohibits open burning in restricted areas, which includes Westerville due to its population density and urbanized footprint within Franklin and Delaware Counties. Burning of leaves, yard waste, construction debris, and trash is banned. Residential leaves must be bagged for city collection or composted. Westerville Fire Division investigates smoke complaints. Recreational cooking and warming fires exempt if compliant with Fire Code 307.4.
Violations & Fines
Illegal open burning is a first-degree misdemeanor under ORC 3704.99, up to 25,000 dollars per day fine through Ohio EPA. Local citations by Fire Division carry up to 500 dollars plus cleanup costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn leaves in my Westerville yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Westerville
How Westerville compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Westerville to another location·View the Ohio fire regulations overview
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Outdoor Burning in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Franklin County handle outdoor burning.