Bloomington, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 6 § 6.13
OPEN BURNING PERMITS (Bloomington Fire Prevention Code)
Operative Text
An open burning permit may be issued on a prescribed form to the applicant if the burning is for one of the purposes set forth in § 6.11 and if the open burning is conducted under the following circumstances. (a) Prevailing winds. The prevailing wind at the time of the burning is away from nearby residences. (b) Traffic hazards. The burning is conducted as far away as practical from any highway or public road and controlled so that a traffic hazard is not created. (c) Pollution alerts. The burning is not conducted during the duration of an air pollution alert, warning, or emergency. (d) Presence during fire. The recipient of the permit or their authorized representative is present for the duration of any fire authorized by the permit. A copy of the permit shall be on-site at all times. (e) Prior notices. The recipient of the permit gives prior notice to the Fire Chief of the time and location of any fire authorized by the permit. (f) Additional restrictions for vegetation fires. Open burning of materials pursuant to § 6.12 (b)(4) shall be conducted in accordance with the following additional restrictions. (1) The location of the burning shall not be within 200 feet of an occupied residence other than those located on the property on which the burning is conducted. (2) Oils, rubber, and other similar smoke producing materials shall not be burned or used as starting materials. (3) Open burning shall not be conducted within one mile of any airport or landing strip, unless approved by the Fire Marshal . (g) Starter fuels . Propane gas torches or other clean gas burning devices causing minimal pollution shall be used to start an open fire. (h) Fire Marshal conditions. The open burning is conducted under such other reasonable conditions as the Fire Marshal may impose. (Ord. 2023-6 , passed 3-20-2023)
Bloomington, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 6 § 6.13 establishes the conditions under which an open burning permit may be issued and used. The rule requires that fires be set only when winds blow away from nearby residences, away from roads, and outside of any declared air pollution alert period. The permit holder or an authorized representative must remain on-site for the entire duration of the fire, keep a copy of the permit on-site, and notify the Fire Chief of the time and location in advance. Additional restrictions apply to vegetation fires, including a 200-foot setback from occupied residences and a one-mile buffer from airports unless the Fire Marshal approves otherwise.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners or managers who seek an open burning permit under § 6 § 6.13 generally ensure that all site conditions are met before igniting any fire — including confirming wind direction, distance from roads and residences, and the absence of any active air pollution alert. Compliant operators use only propane gas torches or similarly clean-burning devices to start fires, and they never burn oils, rubber, or other smoke-producing materials during vegetation burns. Keeping a copy of the permit on-site and providing advance notice to the Fire Chief of the fire's time and location are standard practices for maintaining compliance with this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living near properties where open burning occurs may find § 6 § 6.13 relevant if a fire appears to violate the conditions attached to a permit — for example, if burning takes place during an air pollution alert, within 200 feet of an occupied residence, or without a permit holder or representative present. Residents who believe a violation has occurred can document the circumstances and report concerns to the Bloomington Fire Marshal, who is authorized under this provision to impose additional conditions and oversee compliance. Tenant-rights organizations or local housing advocacy groups can help residents understand what options may be available when open burning affects their health or safety.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 15, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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