Local Laws - Open Burning

Iowa City Code Section 6-6-1: OPEN BURNING PROHIBITED

No person shall ignite, cause to be ignited, permit to be ignited, allow or maintain any open fire. (1978 Code §24-170)

Iowa City Code Section 6-6-2: EXCEPTIONS

1. Open burning of the following types may be permitted, in compliance with fire department guidelines, with a valid open burning permit from the fire marshal:
   1. Ceremonial Or Controlled Bonfires: Ceremonial or controlled bonfires may be permitted.
   2. Disaster Rubbish: The open burning of rubbish, including landscape waste, may be permitted for the duration of the disaster in cases where an officially declared emergency exists.
   3. Prescribed Agricultural Burns: The open burning of fields may be permitted, if necessary for the maintenance of native prairie grass. "Fields," for the purpose of this chapter, means an open land area more than fifty feet (50') from a building or wooded areas.
   4. Training Fires: Fires set for the purpose of bona fide instruction and training of public, institutional, or industrial employees in the methods of firefighting.
   5. Flare Stacks: Open burning or flaring of waste gas may be permitted.
2. Open burning for campfires and outdoor cooking is permitted without a burning permit if performed in an approved container constructed of steel, brick, or masonry. (1978 Code §24-171; amd. 1994 Code)
3. Open burning in portable, outdoor fireplaces is permitted. (Ord. 02-4034, 8-20-2002)

Iowa City Code Section 6-6-3: PENALTIES

Any violation of this chapter shall be considered a simple misdemeanor or municipal infraction as provided for in Title 1, Chapter 4 of city code. (1994 Code)