Backyard Burn Permits

What does Ordinance #1279 prohibit?

• Open burning on property located within unincorporated areas of the Salem-Keizer Urban Growth Boundary; 

• No use of burn barrels;

• Where allowed, no open burning of yard debris* that causes a nuisance or hazard to public safety;

• Where allowed, no open burning of yard debris on days designated as non-burning days by the Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) or any local fire district or department;

• Where allowed, no open burning of yard debris not originating on the subject property;

• Based on DEQ regulations, commercial businesses are prohibited from backyard burning unless a special burn permit is obtained from DEQ;

* Yard debris is defined as wood, stalk, stem, needle or leaf material from trees, shrubs, plants and lawns. 

Are there any exclusions to the prohibition on open burning?

Yes.  The prohibition of open burning does not include:

• Recreational and ceremonial fires not fueled by waste or yard debris;

• Agricultural open burning by an agricultural operation*; or

• The operation of any barbecue equipment.

*  "Agricultural operation":

(a) activity on land primarily for obtaining a profit by raising, harvesting and selling crops, livestock, poultry or produce thereof; and

(b) activities conducted by not-for-profit agricultural research organizations.  

Are there any permitted exceptions to these prohibitions?

Yes.  The prohibition of open burning does not include the following activities, provided that, prior to burning, a permit is issued by Marion County.  All materials to be burned must conform to the requirements and/or limitations specified in the permit.

• Burning yard debris during daylight hours on property more than 2 acres or on contiguous properties under the same ownership more than 2 acres;

• Burning during daylight hours for disease or pest control;

• Burning yard debris during daylight hours on properties classified by the County Assessor as farm or timber; and 

• Burning yard debris, created by a natural disaster, during daylight hours.    

If I qualify under an exception, where do I apply for a permit?

The Marion County Planning Division issues Backyard Burn Permits.  You can download a Backyard Burn Permit application or obtain one from the office.  Our goal is to issue the permit the same day you apply.  The application form requires the following information:

• Completed application form;

• Site plan showing the location of the proposed burn site;

• Written statement explaining your reasons for the request and identifying the materials to be burned, date(s) and time of the burn(s);

• Application fee of $40.  The annual renewal fee is $25.  A permit is good for the current calendar year. 

When can I burn?

Burning yard debris, only, is allowed on DEQ authorized burn days. Hours are from 7:30 a.m. to two hours prior to sunset. Generally, burn season runs from March 1 through June 15 and then again from Oct. 1 or Oct. 15 through Dec. 15 each year.

For daily updates, contact your local fire district's burn information telephone number:

• Marion County Fire District #1: (503) 588-6524

• Aurora, Hubbard, Monitor, St. Paul, Woodburn:  (503) 982-0011

• Silverton and Mt. Angel:  (877) 982-0011

• Jefferson: (877) 982-0011

• Aumsville, Stayton, Sublimity, and Santiam Canyon area: (877) 982-0011  

What can I burn?

Ordinance #1279 allows only open burning of yard debris which is defined as wood, stalk, stem, needle or leaf material from trees, shrubs, plants and lawns.  The Ordinance does not allow open burning of waste which includes garbage, paper, clothing, plastic, and food waste.   

What happens if my neighbor is violating these regulations?

This Ordinance is enforced by Marion County Public Works, through the Sheriff's Office Code Enforcement section.  For more information on filing a complaint, contact Code Enforcement at (503) 373-4333 or email at enforcement@co.marion.or.us. 

What are the regulations outside the Salem-Keizer UGB?

If your property is outside the Salem-Keizer Urban Growth Boundary, contact your local fire department for information on burning regulations and permits.  

For more information:

Marion County Fire District #1 

State of Oregon ​Department of Environmental Quality - open backyard burning information.

Marion County Environmental Services Recycling - information and resources available to recycle various materials not allowed to be burned.

Marion County Environmental Services Backyard Burning - general information on burning in your backyard.

Marion County Backyard Burning Regulations - handy brochure containing the information from this webpage.