Brush Fire Permits

Section 8-3 of the Woodbury City Code requires single-family homeowners to obtain a burning permit prior to having a bush fire on their property. Commercial burning is prohibited. There is not charge for a permit. Application for a permit should be made at least 24 hours in advance and a site inspection is required prior to issue. A brush fire permit will be issued for up to three days at a time and the signed copy of the approved permit must be retained by the homeowner.

Anytime the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) issues a burning ban that includes the Woodbury area, no new burning permits will be issued and all existing permits are cancelled until the ban is lifted.

For more information on the current fire condition and burning restrictions, visit the DNR website.

Guidelines

Burning permits require that brush fires conform to the following guidelines:

• Brush fires are limited to daylight hours only
• Only clean, dry, natural wood can be burned; treated or painted wood, plastic, rubber, leaves and grass are not allowed to be burned
• Brush fires are allowed to a maximum of 6 feet in diameter and 6 feet in height
• Pieces to be burned shall not exceed 4 inches in diameter
• The brush fire shall take place on the owner's property and shall be a minimum of 5 feet from property lines
• Brush fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material
• The brush fire shall not be conducted if the wind speed exceeds 10 miles per hour
• The use of flammable or combustible liquid accelerants is not permitted
• The brush fire must be constantly attended and supervised by the permit holder until the fire is completely extinguished
• A connected garden hose or other means to extinguish the fire must be readily available
• No burns are allowed if a burning ban has been issued by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
• The brush fire must be extinguished if any of these guidelines are not followed or if the fire becomes a nuisance

(City Code Section 15-1, Subdivision 1)

Obtaining a Brush Fire Permit

To apply, fill out the Brush Fire Permit Form (PDF). Completed forms can be submitted to the Fire/EMS Department by email, fax, or returned in person to the Public Safety Building at 2100 Radio Drive, Monday through Friday between 8 am and 4:30 pm. Please use the entrance marked "Public Safety."

This policy does not pertain to recreational fires. For more information on recreational fires, visit the Recreational Fires page, or you may also contact the Fire Department.