North Carolina vests statewide wildfire response and burn ban authority in the Commissioner of Agriculture and the State Forester, whose declared bans override local burn permits.
G.S. 113-60.23A authorizes the Commissioner of Agriculture, through the State Forester, to issue statewide or regional burn bans when fire danger is high. When a state burn ban is in effect, all open burning is prohibited regardless of any previously issued permits or local ordinances. G.S. 106-944 grants the NC Forest Service authority to suppress wildfires on private and state forestland, and G.S. 113-60.31 makes negligent ignition of fires that spread to neighboring property a basis for civil and criminal liability. Counties may adopt additional restrictions but cannot loosen state bans.
Burning during a state-declared ban is a Class 3 misdemeanor under G.S. 113-60.27 with fines up to $200. Negligent or willful starting of wildfires creates liability for suppression costs under G.S. 106-944, which can total tens of thousands of dollars per acre burned.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Wilmington, NC
Wilmington permits construction from 7 AM to 7 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 5 PM on Saturdays. Sunday construction in residential areas is restricted.
Wilmington, NC
Wilmington regulates noise under Chapter 10, Article IV of the City Code. Unreasonable noise that disturbs the peace is prohibited with stricter enforcement ...
Wilmington, NC
Wilmington regulates RV and boat storage in residential areas. Vehicles must be stored properly and not create a nuisance.
Wilmington, NC
Wilmington regulates on-street parking through posted signs and general ordinances. Vehicles must be registered and may not remain in the same spot for exten...
Wilmington, NC
Wilmington restricts large commercial vehicles in residential zones. Semi-trucks and heavy equipment may not be stored in residential areas.
Wilmington, NC
Wilmington generally does not require building permits for standard residential fences up to 6 feet. Fences must comply with zoning requirements.
See how Wilmington's wildfire zones rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.