Fire Pits & Recreational Burning

The City of Pleasant Hill functions under the 2012 International Fire Code, the State of Iowa Administrative Code and The City of Pleasant Hill Code of Ordinances.

Fire Pit
Open Fires
  • Fires contained within approved containers shall be a minimum of 15 feet from any combustible buildings or materials.
  • Open flames shall be a minimum of 25 feet from any combustible building or materials.  Fire shall be a maximum of 3 feet in diameter with a maximum flame height of 2 feet.
  • Open fire in excess of 3 feet in diameter, or a flame higher than 2 feet shall be a minimum of 50 feet away from any combustible building or material.
  • Fires shall be composed of natural kindling of trees and tree trimmings.
  • No rubbish of any type or rubber tires shall be burned at any time.
  • If conditions exist which would cause the fire to spread (winds, dry conditions), then open flames would be prohibited.

Fires shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished.  A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating, or other approved on-site fire extinguishing equipment such as a bucket of dirt or sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck, shall be available for immediate use.

Balconies and Decks

No cooking devices are allowed on balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction.  There is an exception to the rule, and that is if there is sprinkler protection provided on the balcony area.  Buildings should not have any type of open flame on balconies or within 10 feet of the building.  If a patio/deck is located on the ground floor, the grill may be moved 10 feet away and remain in compliance.