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Butler County, OH Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

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

Outdoor burning rules in Butler County, 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

Rule
OAC 3745-19-03
Garbage burning
Prohibited statewide
Residential waste setback
1,000 ft from off-site buildings
Local contact
513-946-7777
Large piles
Notify Ohio EPA first

Summary

Open burning in Butler County is regulated by Ohio EPA rules (OAC 3745-19) and enforced locally by the Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency. In restricted areas, open burning is prohibited except for narrow exemptions, and garbage may never be burned.

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

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.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Under OAC 3745-19-03, no person or property owner may cause or allow open burning in a restricted area except for specific exemptions. Garbage - waste from food handling, preparation, or storage - may never be open burned anywhere in Ohio. Residential waste (paper, wood from one- to three-family homes) may be burned only in unrestricted areas, at least 1,000 feet from any inhabited off-property building, and never trash generated off-site. Piles over 1,000 cubic feet require prior notification to Ohio EPA. Butler County residents in the restricted Cincinnati metro area should call 513-946-7777 before burning.

Violations & Fines

Ohio EPA has authority to enforce open-burning rules; violations can result in substantial civil penalties and cleanup liability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I burn my household trash in Butler County?
No. Garbage may never be open burned in Ohio, and residential waste burning is prohibited in restricted (populated) areas. Butler County falls under the Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency's restricted zone.
Who do I call about open burning in Butler County?
Contact the Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency at 513-946-7777. It regulates open burning for Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton, and Warren counties under Ohio EPA rules.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Butler County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsFireworksSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome Restrictions

All Butler County rules

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

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