Fire Pit & Outdoor Fireplace Rules in Denver, CO

Overview

Denver operates under the Denver Fire Code (based on the IFC) and is subject to RAQC (Regional Air Quality Council) Burn Wise program restrictions during the fall and winter. The city has experienced rapid residential growth, which has increased both enforcement activity and the importance of permit compliance for outdoor structures.

For most Denver homeowners, the rules work like this: portable fire features need no permit but must meet setback rules; permanent masonry or gas-connected features require a building permit from Denver Community Planning and Development (CPD); and wood-burning on designated no-burn days is prohibited by RAQC regulation.

Building Permit Requirements in Denver

How to apply: Denver Community Planning and Development, online at denvergov.org/cpd or in person at 201 W. Colfax Ave. Denver has an online permitting portal that handles most residential permits. Simple accessory structure permits (masonry fire pit, outdoor fireplace) can sometimes be processed over the counter for straightforward projects. Budget 1–3 weeks for plan review.

Permit costs: Denver uses a valuation-based fee schedule. A masonry fire pit or outdoor fireplace with a $3,000–$6,000 project valuation typically generates fees of $150–$350. Gas/mechanical permits run $75–$200 additionally.

Setback Requirements

Denver's setback rules for fire features follow the IFC baseline with local application:

Denver's residential zones (E-SU-D, E-SU-Dx, etc.) have minimum side and rear setbacks of 5–7 feet for accessory structures. Both the fire code setbacks and zoning setbacks apply — you must satisfy whichever is more restrictive. In Denver's older, smaller lots (common in neighborhoods like Sunnyside, Globeville, and parts of South Denver), meeting the 25-foot recreational fire setback in an open yard is often impossible, which is why enclosed portable units under the 15-foot rule are common.

RAQC Burn Wise Program

The Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) operates Colorado's wood-burning restriction program for the Denver metro and Front Range. This is distinct from wildfire burn bans — it's an air quality program triggered by PM2.5 and ozone forecasts.

The Burn Wise program has two action levels:

• Action Level 1 (Yellow): Burning is prohibited in EPA-certified wood stoves and fireplaces in non-attainment areas. Some older, non-certified devices may still be restricted depending on specific rules in your area.
• Action Level 2 (Red): All wood burning prohibited in the Denver metro, including outdoor fire pits and fire places. Only certified pellet stoves and gas appliances are exempt.

The Burn Wise season runs October 1 through March 31, with declarations typically made the afternoon before they take effect for the following day.

How to check: raqc.org or call 303-759-5030. Sign up for email and text alerts — declarations are made by mid-afternoon for the next day. On Action Level 2 days, all outdoor wood burning including fire pits is prohibited throughout the Denver metro area.

Fines for violations: $100–$1,000 depending on violation history. RAQC and local fire departments can both enforce violations.

HOA Considerations in Denver

Denver's newer subdivisions (particularly in areas like Stapleton/Central Park, Highlands Ranch, and Aurora) have HOAs with significant restrictions on outdoor fire features. Master-planned community HOAs in the metro area commonly:

• Require written ACC approval for any fire feature installation
• Prohibit wood-burning fire features due to smoke and neighbor proximity concerns
• Require features to be set back a minimum distance from shared fences (often 15–20 feet)
• Restrict operating hours and season

Denver's older, established neighborhoods (Washington Park, Capitol Hill, Park Hill) typically have no HOA or have older HOAs with less detailed fire feature rules. Always verify your specific community's CC&Rs.

High Altitude Fire Behavior

Denver's elevation (5,280 feet and higher in surrounding areas) affects fire behavior in ways that matter for outdoor fire features:

• Lower oxygen density: Fires burn less efficiently at altitude, producing more smoke and creosote than at sea level. Wood-burning pizza ovens and fireplaces require more attention to chimney draft.
• Lower humidity: Denver's dry climate increases fire spread risk during windy periods. The IFC's prohibition on recreational fires during high wind conditions (typically above 15 mph) is enforced seriously in Colorado given the Front Range's historic fire weather.
• Red flag conditions: During red flag weather warnings (hot, dry, windy conditions), Colorado Fire Danger is often elevated and some jurisdictions issue additional open-burning restrictions beyond the standard Burn Wise program.

Denver Fire Feature Contacts

Denver Fire Pit FAQ