Reminder: Minnetonka Fire Rules

Minnetonka's Rules

Do I need a burning permit for a recreational fire? Yes. All recreational fires within the city of Minnetonka require a burning permit from the city. Once issued, the permit does not have to be renewed annually, but may be rescinded or cancelled by the Minnetonka Fire Department at any time.  What are the requirements for a burning permit? The person signing the application is responsible for conducting, controlling and extinguishing the recreational fire. The burning permit is valid only for the property is issued for. Complete requirements are listed below with the recreational fire permit application. Reminder The city of Minnetonka asks its residents to be considerate of their neighbors when having a recreational fire, such as smoke traveling onto adjoining property where breathing problems with the residents may exist. The weather should be considered before burning as high winds or dry conditions may not be the best time to have a fire.

Recreational Fire Permit Application

By submitting this application, the applicant agrees to the terms and conditions. Read all conditions carefully and print a copy for your records—you must display a copy of this completed permit upon demand.

This permit is granted pursuant to Minnetonka City Code Section 900.

• The applicant is responsible for conducting, controlling and extinguishing the fire.
• The fire must be attended at all times and completely extinguished when through.
• The applicant must have a means of extinguishing the fire readily available while burning.
• The size of the fire shall not exceed 3 feet by 3 feet.
• Fire pits must be a minimum of 10 feet off the property line
• Wood for burning must be a minimum of 3 inches in diameter or bigger
• No trash, brush, leaves or treated lumber may be burned. Public Works provides a brush drop-off. For dates, times and additional information, please see the Brush Drop-Off page.
• The applicant agrees to extinguish their fire if the smoke is unreasonably offensive or injurious to others as determined by the city.
• This permit is valid only on the property listed. The fire may not extend beyond the boundaries of that property.
• A recreational fire permit does not relieve the applicant from liability due to damage resulting from the fire or smoke.
• This permit is not required to be renewed annually, but may be rescinded or cancelled by the Minnetonka Fire Department at any time.
• As the permit holder, you are reminded to be considerate of your neighbors when having a recreational fire. Be aware of the smoke from your fire traveling onto adjoining property where people may have breathing problems such as asthma or emphysema. The weather should also be considered before burning as high winds or dry conditions may not be the best time to have a fire.

The DNR posts a current fire danger of "low" for much of the state, including Hennepin County, meaning fires are not easily started. Current burning restrictions statewide are at "Restricted burning–Variance permits only."

However, the DNR reminds those wanting a recreational fire that while DNR issues statewide regulations, if you live within a municipality that controls open burning, local permits or more stringent regulations may apply.