Summary of Open Burning of

Landscape Waste Regulations

McHenry County Public Health Ordinance

Article III  -  Section 1.29

Effective April 1, 2008

PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES

• Burning of manure, garbage, litter, etc. on any property in McHenry County.

• Burning of landscape waste within 100' of a habitable structure (i.e. residence, school, etc).

• Burning of landscape waste within 50' of a non-habitable structure (i.e. detached garage, barn, etc).

RESTRICTIONS WHEN GREATER THAN 100' FROM  A  HABITABLE STRUCTURE

AND 50' FROM A NON-HABITABLE STRUCTURE

• Only landscape waste and only on the property where the landscape waste was generated
• Only during the months of April,  May, Oct. and Nov.(weekends only)
• Only between dawn and dusk

• Only when the winds are less than 10 mph
• Must be supervised by an individual at least 18 years of age
• A fire extinguisher, garden hose or water source must be available at the burning site

500' EXEMPTIONS

Burning of on-site generated landscape waste 500' or greater from a habitable structure is allowed:

1. During any month of the year

2. On any day of the week

3. At any time of the day

NOTE:  All other prohibitions / restrictions apply.

OTHER EXEMPTIONS

• Recreational fires; not larger than 3'x3'x3',  and excludes leaves,  grass or shrubbery clippings

•  Ceremonial fires (bonfires) larger than 3'x3'x3', and excludes leaves, grass or shrubbery clippings; permit required from McHenry County Department of Health

•  Habitat Reclamation or Firefighter