Building a Fire Pit in Fort Collins: Permits and Regulations

Many backyard fire pits do not require a permit if they meet PFA requirements. You must follow important regulations regarding placement, fuel types, weather conditions, and fire safety. Fire pits must meet Poudre Fire Authority requirements, including minimum setbacks from structures, proper containment, and restrictions during Red Flag Warnings, burn bans, and high wind conditions.

A fire pit is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors in Fort Collins, Colorado. A fire pit makes it easy to enjoy the area’s colder weather and is a place to gather during cool evenings. Given the area's high fire risk, it’s essential to consider safety and compliance with local fire codes before installing a fire pit on your property. When properly designed and installed, a fire pit can be a safe and beautiful addition to any home. Let’s go over what you need to know before installing a fire pit in Fort Collins, and why professional installation is the safest choice.

What Fort Collins Homeowners Should Know Before Building a Fire Pit

Do You Need a Permit for a Backyard Fire Pit in Fort Collins?

If your fire pit meets specific standards, no, you don’t need a permit to use it; however, a fire pit and an open burn are different things. An open burn is a fire started intentionally for grassland or forest management and requires a permit. Also, regulations may vary by property location, so be sure to check your local municipal fire safety codes.

What Fire Pit Regulations Apply to Fort Collins Homeowners?

Fire pits are permitted if they meet certain standards; your fire pit must be completely contained, above ground, and have a solid base that encloses the entire perimeter of the fire pit. The fire pit must be raised and held up off the ground.

Additionally, the fire must be continuously attended by a competent, unimpaired person. You must also have extinguishing equipment available nearby, such as a water hose or a fire extinguisher, and you can only burn clean, dry wood. You cannot burn outdoor or yard waste.

Most importantly, the fire pit must be located at least 15 feet away from structures and any combustible material, so, for example, you cannot place a fire pit against the side of a home or shed, on a wooden deck, or underneath an awning.

Finally, the fire pit cannot be wider than 3 feet or taller than 2 feet.

When Are Backyard Fire Pits Prohibited in Fort Collins?

Burning is prohibited during:

• Burn bans

• On no burn days

• During red flag warnings

• Whenever the current or forecasted winds exceed 10 mph

Northern Colorado is a semiarid region and occasionally experiences drought. The risk for fire and wildfires is very high. Everybody has to play their part in fire safety.

What Materials Can and Cannot Be Burned in a Fire Pit?

Only clean, dry wood is permitted for burning in fire pits. Do not burn yard waste, leaves, grass clippings, household garbage, construction debris, treated wood, cardboard, plastic, or rubber products. These items are not only a safety hazard but a detriment to air quality.

Where Should a Fire Pit Be Installed?

Where you place your fire pit is one of the most important safety considerations. Do not place closer than 15 feet to any structure on your property or any combustible materials. Don’t place your fire pit:

• Against your home

• Under awnings or a pergola

• On wooden decks

• Near fences

• Close to overhanging branches

Other things to consider when placing your fire pit are where the wind will move smoke, how it fits into your patio layout, how close it is to utilities, and visibility from the home. Considering the overall design of your backyard helps create comfortable gathering spaces around the fire pit.

Why Professional Fire Pit Installation Improves Safety and Performance

How Does Professional Installation Help Prevent Fire Pit Safety Issues?

Professional fire pit installation ensures compliance with clearance requirements, safe material selection, code-compliant installation, consideration of fuel sources, and long-term structural stability.

How Does Professional Design Improve Backyard Fire Pit Functionality?

With professional design, you’ll have better seating layouts for your fire pit, more aesthetically pleasing integration with patios and hardscaping, and improved traffic flow around it. In short, professional design gives you better use of your outdoor living space.

What Problems Can Occur with DIY Fire Pit Installation?

Safety considerations aside, many problems can arise from DIY fire pits. If you don’t build your fire pit correctly, you could be out of compliance with local safety codes. Additionally, you might face poor drainage around the fire pit, an unstable foundation, cracking or shifting materials, smoke issues due to poor placement, and future repair costs.

Partner with a Fort Collins Outdoor Living and Fire Feature Expert

A professional installation helps ensure a fire pit functions properly for years to come. Bath Landscape & Irrigation designs outdoor living spaces that are beautiful, functional, and tailored to Northern Colorado conditions. We can easily integrate fire pits into larger landscape renovation projects for greater usability and long-term value. If you’re ready for a safe and beautiful fire pit, reach out to Bath Landscape & Irrigation today.

Resources:

Poudre River Fire Authority. "Outdoor Fire Pits, Grills, Fireplaces, and Open Burning and Burn Permits" https://www.poudre-fire.org/programs-services/fire-prevention-and-community-risk-reduction/code-compliance-and-investigations/open-burning-and-fire-pits