Are Gas Fire Pits Legal in Houston, TX? - Solus Fire Pits (2024)

FAQs

Can you have a gas fire pit? ›

A gas fire pit is an outdoor structure that replicates the experience of a bonfire without the hassle of chopping wood or dealing with smoke and ash. It uses propane or natural gas to generate a steady, clean flame you can ignite and extinguish easily.

All open burning within the City of Houston shall be prohibited unless approval of the Fire Marshal has been issued in the form of a permit.

Cons: Higher initial cost: Gas fire pits are typically more expensive to install. Limited ambiance: Some people miss the rustic charm and aroma of a wood-burning fire. Dependency on fuel source: You'll need a gas line run from the house to the firepit for a steady supply of natural gas.

Place your fire pit at a safe distance (10-25 feet) from any flammable structures or surfaces. This includes your house, trees, shed, vehicle, neighbors' property, and wood deck, among other things. Keep your fire pit away from overhanging branches. A 21-foot clearance is standard for most municipalities.

When it comes to heat, a propane fire pit is more efficient than natural gas, cranking out a warmer heat. Because a propane fire pit isn't usually a permanent landscape addition, most often it's cheaper to install than a natural gas fire pit. Propane fire pits are portable, but require a propane tank to run them.

In general, propane fire pits are not suitable for indoor use. The primary reason is that propane fire pits need plenty of ventilation to avoid the build-up of dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is incredibly dangerous and toxic, particularly when it builds up in an enclosed space.

Most cities and towns allow small recreational fires. A recreational fire is usually defined as a campfire, bonfire, or backyard fire in a fire pit. Many recreational fire regulations are in place to remain courteous to your neighbors, but others exist to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.

Outdoor burning is allowed when used solely for recreational or ceremonial purposes, in the noncommercial preparation of food, or exclusively as a means of generating warmth in cold weather. In other words, campfires, bonfires, and cooking fires are allowed.

THERE IS NO BURN BAN IN EFFECT FOR UNINCORPORATED HARRIS COUNTY. Outdoor burning can be an air nuisance or neighborhood nuisance. For complaints/reports of outdoor burning, contact the Harris County Pollution Control Services Department.

Because gas fire pits give off less heat and have a controlled, clean-burning flame, they can be used in many settings, as long as there is plenty of ventilation and the fire pit is placed on an even surface. Gas fire pits can be used on decks, patios, balconies, and porches, unlike wood-burning fire pits.

Which fire pit is better, gas or wood? ›

Energy Efficiency: Gas fire pits are more energy-efficient than wood burning fires, as they use less fuel to produce the same heat. But natural gas is not a renewable resource while wood is a renewable resource.

Yes, you can roast marshmallows on a gas fire pit. However, it is important to use a long-handled roasting stick and to keep a safe distance from the flames to avoid burns. Additionally, make sure that the marshmallows are placed over the flame and not too close to the edge of the pit where they may catch fire.

Size: height

Raise the fire pit height to no taller than 18-20″. Otherwise the heat will be held in and it will be harder to enjoy the fire from surrounding chairs. And make the coping ledge at least 14″ wide to easily accommodate peoples' bottoms.

Fire pits should not be placed too close to a house or other backyard structures; and they should also not be placed too close to trees, shrubs, or other plants.

Unlike wood burning fires, gas fires do not give off sparks, or smoke that can build up behind screens, but they do give off carbon monoxide (CO), so they need proper ventilation.

To start, it's important to realize that virtually any fire pit design can be adapted for use with either type of fuel. In fact, nearly any wood burning fire pit can be easily converted to a gas one by installing an insert, commercially available for about $100-$400, depending on size.

The lack of smoke produced by a gas fire pit makes it significantly more energy-efficient than burning wood. The cleaner burn of natural gas emits 99% fewer emissions than wood. Propane burns cleaner than wood, but not as cleanly as natural gas.