Burn Permits

 

Residential Burn Regulations

Burning on property zoned for residential or agricultural use is allowed by permit only. Burning is limited to yard waste generated on the property for which the permit is issued. The material to be burned shall not be brought in from another location for burning.

Yard waste includes vegetation, grass, tree limbs, garden/shrub trimmings and leaves. Shawnee City Ordinance prohibits the burning of Poison Sumac, Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and any material that is not natural material, i.e. lumber, siding, etc. Burning shall not begin until 8:00 a.m. and all fires shall be completely extinguished by 2:00 p.m. All burning shall take place in the rear yard, observing the following safety rules:

  • Burn only when the wind speed is between 5 m.p.h. and 15 m.p.h.
  • The fire shall be attended by a responsible person at all times.
  • Always have a charged garden hose and tools (hoe, rake, shovel) nearby.
  • The fire shall not be within 25 feet of any structure or vehicle.
  • Burn piles shall not be larger than 15 feet in diameter.

Flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, etc., can be extremely dangerous and should never be used to ignite a burn pile.

Burning is not allowed on days that have been declared a "ORANGE ALERT DAY". The Fire Department cannot issue burn permits on a orange alert day due to the air quality. If a permit has been issued that occurs on a Orange Alert Day, the issued burn permit would be null and void, however the permit can be re-scheduled by calling the Fire Department (913) 631-1080 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. For more information about orange alert day check out SkyCast Air Quality Forecast website.

Residential burn permits may be obtained at the Shawnee Fire Department Headquarters Station located at 6501 Quivira Road during regular business hours, 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

  • There shall be a fee of fifteen dollars ($15.00) per day for each permit issued.
  • Burning permits are only good for a one-day period and each day burning is to occur requires a separate permit.

The City of Shawnee will waive the permit fee for any resident that is sixty-two years of age or older and for all properties of two (2) or more acres.

Commercial Burn Regulations

For the clearance of land by a commercial entity:

  1. Burning of trees and brush ONLY! All stumps shall be removed prior to burning.
  2. An air curtain destructor (blower) shall be required for all burn piles.
  3. Burning will not be allowed if wind velocity exceeds 15 miles per hour.
  4. The fire must be attended by a responsible person at all times. Burning begins at 8:00 a.m. and all fires must be extinguished by 5:00 p.m.
  5. Safety equipment capable of extinguishing must be available at the fire during the entire time of burning.
  6. All commercial burning must be at least 1,000 feet from any occupied dwelling or public roadway.
  7. A burning permit, at a cost of $100.00 per day is required. Your permit is only authorized for the day shown on this application. The site must be inspected and approved before burning can occur.
  8. Burning in violation of the burning regulations will cause the person(s) to be subject to a fine of not less than $50.00 and no more than $500.00. (Per Section 8.20.070)
  9. Flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, etc., can be extremely dangerous and should never be used to ignite a burn pile.

Commercial burn permits may be obtained at the Shawnee Fire Department Headquarters Station located at 6501 Quivira Road during regular business hours, 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The fee is $100.00 per day.

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