Fire Prevention Division

The Burning of Leaves and Brush is Prohibited in Rochester Hills

The Burning Ordinance does allow recreational fires. A recreational fire is the burning of dry, seasoned firewood for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking or similar purposes.

• An annual permit is required for recreational fires and may be obtained from the Fire Department Administrative Offices during normal business hours--Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, excluding holidays--for an annual fee of $25.00.

• A recreational fire may be allowed on detached residential properties at any time during the year between the hours of 8:00 am and midnight.

• A recreational fire shall not exceed three (3) feet in diameter, or three (3) feet in height and shall burn no longer than three (3) hours.

• Fuel for a recreational fire shall consist of dry seasoned firewood and may be ignited with a small quantity of paper.

• A recreational fire must be a minimum of fifty (50) feet from any structure and a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet from any property line.

• The fire must be attended at all times with adequate fire control measures on hand.

• A permit is not required for commercially purchased portable outdoor fireplaces; however, these devices are only permitted to be fueled by dry seasoned firewood, charcoal or commercial fire logs. When using a portable outdoor fireplace you must follow the manufacturers recommendations.

Any violation of these burning regulations shall be a municipal civil infraction. The fines for violations shall be $100 for the first offense, $250 for the second offense, and $500 for any subsequent offenses.

Any questions regarding these guidelines or the Burning Ordinance can be directed to the Fire Prevention Bureau at 248.656.47174 or email.

ALL OTHER BURNING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED

 This notice does not contain, nor is it intended to convey, the entire contents of Ordinance 548.  Click here to view the entire ordinance.