Remodeling or Adding Spaces
Outdoor Fireplaces

Outdoor Fireplaces

Outdoor fireplaces do not include barbeque grills that are primarily for outdoor cooking.
A building permit is required for a fire pit, but not for a chiminea or portable fire pit.

Definitions of “Outdoor Fireplaces”:

Fire Pits - Bldg. Permit Required
Usually constructed of steel, concrete or stone, and constructed above ground with a heavy steel screen covering.

Portable Fire Pit
Defined and intended to confine and control outdoor wood fires.

Chimineas
Defined as an outdoor patio fireplace, usually made from clay.

Barrels, half barrels, drums or similarly constructed devices ARE NOT firepits!

Requirements for “Outdoor Fireplaces”

A minimum of ten foot clearance between an outdoor fireplace and combustible materials.

Shall be constructed of concrete or an approved non-combustible material.

Fuel fire area and openings shall be completely enclosed by a spark guard (no greater than ½” square).

Vent stacks, chimneys and chimineas shall have a steel screen cover made of heavy wire mesh.

Size of the fuel area shall not be larger than 3’ in diameter and a height of no more than 3’.

Outdoor fireplaces shall be placed on a stable non-combustible surface such as a concrete pad and only at grade level.

Burn untreated wood or approved fireplace starter logs.

Limit the amount of material being burnt to ensure the flames are confined inside the fuel area of the fireplace. Do not allow the flames to extend above the pit or chimney.

It is important to keep a water supply, garden hose or fire extinguisher readily available in case of an emergency.

Do not burn an outdoor fireplace when winds are blowing over 12 mph or when weather conditions are extremely dry.

All outdoor fireplaces must be under supervision by a person age 18 yrs or older.

Fires must be completely extinguished and embers cooled prior to 11PM.

Smoke shall not create a nuisance for neighbors.

OPEN BURNING - Please remember……….open burning is ONLY allowed outside the corporate city limits and you must obtain a free burn permit at City Hall prior to burning.

BARBEQUE GRILLS - The use of a charcoal grill should always be placed on a stable non-combustible surface such as a concrete pad and only at grade level.

City of Gretna

204 North McKenna Avenue - Post Office Box 69

Gretna, NE 68028
Main Phone: 402-332-3336
Fax: 402-332-5631

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