RESOURCE:

Open Burning In Ferndale

The City of Ferndale's Open Burning Ordinance allows for backyard fires with a permit. Permits are issued annually for $25 following a permit application process and are nontransferable. Applicants should ensure that required conditions can be met before completing the permit application. Processed permit fees will not be returned to applicants unable to satisfy requirements.

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REQUIRED CONDITIONS CHECKLIST:

  • The property must be the applicant's primary residence.
  • The applicant must be over 18 years old.
  • The edge of the burning device cannot be within 15 feet of any combustible structures, such as houses, garages, wooden fences, wooden play structures, or decks.
  • The edge of the burning device cannot be within 20 feet of any combustible structures on a neighbor’s property.

Renters are required to have a signed letter of consent from the property owner for open burning on the property.

 

The online application process can be completed in less than 5 minutes. Once the application is submitted, emails will be sent to process payment and schedule the required inspection for the electronic permit.  Failure to schedule an inspection or satisfy the required conditions will result in the permit being revoked.

Apply for an Open Burning Permit

PERMIT RULES

  • The patio wood-burning unit or campfire shall not be used to burn refuse, only clean tree wood.
  • The patio wood-burning unit or campfire shall be located at least 15 feet from the nearest structure on the property and 20 feet from the nearest structure off the property.
  • The patio wood-burning unit or campfire shall not cause a nuisance to neighbors.
  • Patio wood-burning units or campfires shall be limited to the time between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m.
  • All fires shall be supervised by someone 18 years or older.
  • There shall be at minimum a garden hose connected to a reliable water supply, a 1-gallon bucket of water, or a 2a10bc-rated fire extinguisher with 20 feet of any open burning.