Are Fire Pits Legal in Virginia? - Solus Decor (2024)

FAQs

Are Fire Pits Legal in Virginia? - Solus Decor? ›

Permits are also required for fire pits in Virginia beach, so before you gather your friends and family around the fire, be sure to get that in order! A safe distance from any structure or combustible material is considered to be a minimum of 15 feet.

Fires built in commercially-available chimineas or fire pits, which are completely contained, with a ¼-inch or smaller metal screen across the top of the fire box are not considered open-air fires and are therefore legal, IF they are in good condition to prevent the spread of fire to surrounding areas.

Keep your fire pit away from overhanging branches. A 21-foot clearance is standard for most municipalities. Don't put your fire pit too close to your property line. The minimum distance between the fire and property line varies from county to county, so be sure to check your local guidelines.

Recreational fire must be at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material. These fires can be no larger than three feet wide by two feet tall. Anything larger will be considered a bonfire. Fires must be attended at all times and the means to extinguish a fire must be readily available for instant use.

The biggest difference between a firepit and a bonfire is the size. Fire pits usually hold campfires, which are significantly smaller than bonfires. Bonfires usually take place outside of a fire pit due to their large size—your standard fire pit can't contain a bonfire's blaze.

By: Sarah Vogelsong - February 13, 2024 4:06 pm

The law forbids open-air fires — such as campfires or fires to burn debris — within 300 feet of “any woodland, brushland, or field containing dry grass or other inflammable material,” except between 4 p.m. and midnight.

The 4 p.m. Law is a ban (or restriction) on open air burning before 4 in the afternoon if your fire is within 300 feet of the woods or dry grass which can carry the fire to the woods.

Essentially, a fire pit needs only a hole that can safely contain a fire. This can be as simple as a hole dug in the ground, or as complex as a holed-out brick or rock pillar. A wood-burning fire pit should be located at least ten feet (three meters) away from structures for safety.

Ideally, a fire pit should be at least 10 feet away from any structures — 20 feet is even better. This includes your house, shed, fence and neighboring yards. Check the area around and above your fire pit. You don't want any plants within 10 feet of the fire pit area.

Keep fire pits at least 10 feet from buildings and trees. Install on a non-flammable surface and away from overhead structures. Check wind patterns to prevent smoke issues. Use services like 811 to locate underground utilities before digging. ]

What size should a fire pit be in the backyard? ›

Small fire pit dimensions should measure 3 feet wide, while a large pit can go up to 6 feet wide. Ideally a fire pit should be between 36 and 44 inches wide (including the width of the walls) in order to comfortably seat multiple people around it whilst still maintaining an intimate setting.

When you are planning your outdoor living space, you will want to carefully plan your fire pit to make sure there is enough room around it for everyone to be comfortable. A good guideline is to have about 7 feet of space around the fire pit.

For example, if you want to be able to prop your feet on it, go with one that is about 12 to 14 inches high. If you plan to use the edge of the fire pit as a sitting wall, you'll want it to be about 20 inches. You won't want to go much higher than that, or you won't really be able to enjoy the flames and warmth.

Patio extension ideas like fire pits are a great way to add value to your home. So, can adding a fire pit increase your home's value? Yes, a fire pit is an excellent addition to any backyard because it adds value to your home. Also, it creates a beautiful and functional area of your home.

Burn only yard debris.

State regulations prohibit the open burning of any material that creates dense smoke or noxious odors.

By the way, open fires and burn pits are illegal in the United States for exactly the reasons that they are hazardous to individuals' health," Ruiz pointed out. He began working on burn pit legislation after hearing the story of Jennifer Kepner, an Air Force veteran in his district who battled pancreatic cancer.

4 of the Fire Prevention Code (as amended by Fairfax County), outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, chimineas, and other similar portable devices designed for outdoor use shall not be stored on a balcony or deck of any structure or within 15 feet of combustible construction or a residential occupancy.

Burning of trash, debris, wire or yard waste is illegal in Norfolk, Virginia. ADDITIONAL SAFETY TIPS: 1) Place fire pit in an open area on a solid surface, but never on a wooden deck, grass, or any other flammable surface. 2) Never place fire pit in an enclosed area or indoors.