Apply for a Recreational Fire Permit

Step 1.Create a Citizen Access account

We use a third party application called Citizen Access for Recreational Fire Permit applications.  If you've never used Citizen Access, we recommend that you review how to create an account before starting your application.

Step 2.Make sure you have time to apply

This application will take about 10 minutes once you’ve gathered all the required information identified below.  You can save your application and resume later if you need more time.

Step 3.Talk to your neighbors

Please check with your neighbors located within 120 feet of your property before you pay the fee to apply for a permit. If any of them submits a written objection within 21 days, your application may be denied. We'll review all submitted objections on the basis of public health, safety, and welfare to determine if a permit may be issued.

Step 4.Review the requirements

Property requirements

• No more than 2 dwelling units
• Have written permission from the property owner, if you're renting

Recreational fire location

Recreational fire pits may only be placed in the back yard or side yard and need to meet the following distance requirements: 

• At least 20 feet from any structure or combustible material
• At least 20 feet from any lot line, roadway, alleyway, or fence
• At least 15 feet from any overhead line

Step 5.Draw a site plan

During the application process you will need to upload attachments.

You need to submit a site plan drawn to scale. You can use our Site Plan Template. Make sure to show the location of your fire container. You'll need to submit this in a digital format with your application.

Include all of this in your site plan:

• Location of all property lines
• All existing buildings or structures on the property
• Fences on the property or property line
• Location of overhead wires
• Location of the proposed fire container
• A garden hose, fire extinguisher, or other means of extinguishment readily available for immediate use

If you're renting, you'll need to upload written permission from the property owner.

Step 6.Have your credit/debit card ready

You’ll need to pay the non-refundable permit application fee. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover for online payments.

Step 7.Apply online

Login to Citizen Access and choose the Planning Applications category using the link below.

Apply in English

Step 8.We’ll review your application

Expect to hear from us within 1-2 business days. We'll email you to confirm receipt of your application. Keep in mind that you might need to revise your application or attachments if we notice any missing or incorrect information.

Step 9.What happens next

We’ll notify your neighbors of your application and they'll have 21 days to submit a written objection.

• If a neighbor objects in writing within 21 days, their objection will be reviewed by City staff on the basis of public health, safety, and welfare. If an objection is accepted, the application will be denied.
• If no objections are received or accepted, we'll send your permit by email. 

This process takes about a month.

Step 10.Enjoy your recreational fire

Here are a few quick use guidelines for when you have your permit and are ready to have a recreational fire:

• Only seasoned dry firewood can be burned
• You're not allowed to burn yard waste, leaves, refuse, trash, building materials, or other materials (we care about the air you breathe)
• Burning is allowed between 7 AM and 10 PM
• An adult 18 years or older must be present at all times

Please note that the City reserves the right to revoke your permit or restart the notification process based on a pattern of violations.

Step 11.Reapply after the first year

Your permit is only valid for one year. After one year, you'll need to renew your permit, at which time we'll restart the neighbor notification process. 

We'll send you an email with instructions on how to renew the permit before yours expires.

Step 1.Make sure we're open

The 311 call center is open from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday.

Step 2.Call us for instructions

You can find our number in the Contact Us section of this page. We'll get you all the information you need to apply for your Recreational Fire Permit. We don't take applications over the phone, but we'll make sure you have everything you need to get your application approved.

Step 1.Talk to your neighbors

Please check with your neighbors located within 120 feet of your property before you pay the fee to apply for a permit. If any of them submits a written objection within 21 days, your application may be denied. We'll review all submitted objections on the basis of public health, safety, and welfare to determine if a permit may be issued. 

Step 2.Review the requirements

Property requirements

• No more than 2 dwelling units
• Have written permission from the property owner, if you're renting

Recreational fire location

Recreational fire pits and containers may only be placed in the back yard or side yard and need to meet the following distance requirements:

• At least 20 feet from any structure or combustible material
• At least 20 feet from any lot line, roadway, alleyway, or fence
• At least 15 feet from any overhead line

You can look up your property size on the City Assessors Property Search. Find your property and scroll down to the Land Information section. You'll find the total acres listed.  If you can’t find your property size, give us a call at the number listed in the Contact Us section. We’ll look it up for you.

Step 3.Make sure you have all the required information

When you come to our office to apply, you'll need to bring some attachments with you.

You need to submit a site plan drawn to scale. You can use our Site Plan Template. Make sure to show the location of your fire container. You'll need to submit this in a digital format with your application.

Include all of this in your site plan:

• Location of all property lines
• All existing buildings or structures on the property
• Fences on the property or property line
• Location of overhead wires
• Location of the proposed fire container
• A garden hose, fire extinguisher, or other means of extinguishment readily available for immediate use

If you're renting, you'll need to bring written permission from the property owner.

Step 4.Have your payment ready

You’ll need to pay the non-refundable permit application fee. For in person payments, we accept cash, check or money order, and Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.

Step 5.Come to our office and fill out an application

We'll help you apply for your Recreational Fire Permit online through Citizen Access.

Step 6.We’ll review your application

Expect to hear from us within 1-2 business days. We'll email you to confirm receipt of your application. Keep in mind that you might need to revise your application or attachments if we notice any missing or incorrect information.

Step 7.What happens next

We’ll notify your neighbors of your application and they'll have 21 days to submit a written objection. 

• If a neighbor objects in writing within 21 days, their objection will be reviewed by City staff on the basis of public health, safety, and welfare. If an objection is accepted, the application will be denied. 
• If no objections are received or accepted, we'll send your permit by email. 

This process takes about a month.

Step 8.Enjoy your recreational fire

Here are a few quick use guidelines for when you have your permit and are ready to have a recreational fire:

• Only seasoned dry firewood can be burned
• You're not allowed to burn yard waste, leaves, refuse, trash, building materials, or other materials (we care about the air you breathe)
• Burning is allowed between 7 AM and 10 PM
• An adult 18 years or older must be present at all times

Please note that the City reserves the right to revoke your permit or restart the notification process based on a pattern of violations. 

Step 9.Reapply after the first year

Your permit is only valid for one year. After one year, you'll need to renew your permit, at which time we'll restart the neighbor notification process. 

We'll send you an email with instructions on how to renew the permit before yours expires.