Do You Need Permits To Have A Fire Pit in New Jersey?

When the days get crisp and the skies clear, having a fire pit in your backyard can feel like the ultimate cozy upgrade.

There’s nothing better than enjoying a warm summer day and then finishing a cooler summer night right by a fire pit. It’s perfect for roasting marshmallows, catching up with friends, or just enjoying a night outdoors before the cold starts coming in this winter. New Jerseyans love a good fire pit vibe, but before you set up outside and light the fire, there's some fine print to know.

Do You Need Permits For A Fire Pit in New Jersey?

There are actually rules if you plan to get a fire pit for your backyard in New Jersey. If your fire pit is a permanent structure, like a built-in stone or brick fireplace, you’ll need a permit. That means permission under local zoning laws and abiding by the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code before you build or install one. This applies whether it’s a wood-burning pit or a natural-gas bowl, since they're considered permanent fixtures. 

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Now, if it’s a portable fire pit, think chiminea, metal bowl, or something similar the rules are a bit simpler. These fall under general open-burning regulations, and you typically don’t need a permit unless you're planning a bonfire or an unusually large fire. 

Some rules are in effect for forested areas or higher-risk zones. If you're lighting a fire in or near wooded regions, you must get a recreational fire permit from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

If you’re getting a fire pit put into your backyard, make sure to check the local rules and ordinances. It’s important to follow the rules when going into the building process just because it can be a mess to deal with later on.