Land Clearing / Property Maintenance

Permits are for 90 days. You can burn any debris generated from development of property. This includes the removal of unwanted, leaning, hazardous, or dead trees, regardless of size, during normal upkeep or landscaping of the property. This could also include but is not limited to limbs, tree trunks, logs and stumps.

Prohibited Burns

  • Building and/or demolition material
  • Household/commercial trash or refuse
  • Paper, used lumber or trade waste
  • Rubber tires, asphaltic material, crankcase oil, or impregnated wood
  • Toxic or hazardous materials or containers for such materials

Permits

A written permit must be obtained from Chesterfield Fire and EMS, Fire and Life Safety Division. A permit application shall be submitted at least 15 days before burn date.

A permit is valid for 90 calendar days from date of issue (except if 90 days falls within the no burn season). A one time 30 day extension, may be requested prior to original expiration.

An application must include:

  • $400 Fee
  • Certificate of Liability Insurance Coverage
    • General Liability Coverage Needed at All Times While Burning
    • Liability Insurance Minimum Amount of $1,000,000
  • Complete Permit Application
  • Site Plan of Burn Site

Burning Rules

Open burning is prohibited by law in May through September. Burning must take place on site where debris was generated. Efforts should be made to minimize burned material.

Debris should be limited to 25 feet by 15 feet and approved by Chesterfield Fire and EMS, Fire and Life Safety Division. The location must be a minimum of 500 feet from occupied building unless prior permission with the Neighbor Permission Form (PDF) is given. A copy of permit, site plan, and guidelines must be kept at burn site. 

Please read the open burning regulations prior to submitting this application!