Requirements for Fire Pits in Maple Hill
Maple Hill
Per section 2.12 of the 2024: DRC Guidelines for Lot Modifications & Improvements, only gas-fueled fireplace and fire pit features are permitted on a lot. Exterior fireplace design must complement the architectural style, materials and colors of the home and conform to the following guidelines:
Exterior fireplaces and/or fire pits must be contained within the rear yard.
Internally mounted spark arrestors should be considered a part of the finished design.
A fireplace or fire pit must be located a minimum of five (5) feet from any property line.
A fireplace or fire pit taller than six (6) feet must be located a minimum of ten (10) feet from any fence.
Any freestanding exterior fireplace, including the chimney, must not exceed a height of ten (10) feet as measured from the main finished floor level of the home.
City of Fort Collins (link)
Air Pollution Nuisance Code Requirements Effective March 29, 2019
Outdoor wood burning fires must be at least 15 feet from adjacent property lines
Wood burning fires must be extinguished by 10:00 pm
If you want to have a fire...
Please follow these requirements and consider tips to reduce the likelihood of unintended negative impacts on others:
Required: Place your fire pit/basin/apparatus at least 15 feet from any combustible surface or structure and at least 15 feet from any property line.
Required: Burn only clean, dry, seasoned wood (leaves, branches, grass clippings, yard waste are not allowed).
Required: The total fuel size (wood pile) must be 3 feet or less in diameter, and 2 feet or less in height.
Required: Never leave your fire unattended and be able to react appropriately should an issue arise.
Required: Fully extinguish the fire with water by 10:00 pm.
Tip: Talk to your neighbors prior to having a fire. If your neighbors have concerns, brainstorm options to address their concerns (e.g., if, when or where you have your fire). See the conflict resolution tips in the FAQs below for suggestions.
Tip: Have sufficient airflow to allow for efficient burning. A good fire should produce little or no visible smoke.
If someone's fire is negatively impacting you...
People can have portable wood burning fireplaces or portable fire pits in their yard, but they need to follow fire safety and smoke nuisance rules. Here are some tips:
For Nuisance Related Issues (e.g., excessive smoke or odor, time of day of the burn, distance to property line)
Know what's allowed and what's not, which can help when talking to your neighbor or submitting a complaint. See the conflict resolution tips in the FAQs below for suggestions.
If you feel comfortable doing so, talk to your neighbor about your concerns.
If resolving the issue with your neighbor is unsuccessful, make a formal complaint online through Access Fort Collins This link opens in a new browser tabor call the Nuisance Hotline at (970) 416-2200. An actionable complaint should include as many details as possible but at a minimum include the following, if known:
The address of the source of smoke
The time that you noticed the smoke
Note if the smoke is from an outdoor fire pit or indoor fireplace
For Non-Emergency Health and Safety Related Issues (e.g., distance to combustible surface, type of materials being burned, size of fuel source)
If you have a non-emergency health or safety concern about an active fire, call the non-emergency dispatch line at (970) 221-6540.
For emergencies, call 9-1-1.