Burn Permit
Burn Permits Sold at the New Berlin Public Library
Since June 1, 2024, all burn permits are sold at the New Berlin Public Library, 15105 W. Library Lane. The Library is open 7 days a week, offering extended hours so you can purchase a permit during the day, evening, or weekend.
- 2024 burn permit fee: $10.00
- Payment accepted: cash or check
Open burning is regulated in New Berlin. The person who starts a fire and the property owner are both responsible for compliance.
When burning is allowed
- Materials: grass, fallen leaves, brush, or similar vegetative materials only.
- Apr 1–May 15 and Oct 1–Nov 15: Wednesday–Saturday.
- All other dates: Wednesday and Saturday only.
- A City burn permit is required and must be prominently displayed while burning.
Key limits & safety rules
- No barrels/containers. Pile size ≤ 4 ft × 4 ft × 3 ft high.
- Keep ≥ 50 ft from any structure, wood/lumber pile, or wooden fence.
- Dry material only; do not use flammable/combustible liquids to ignite.
- No plastics, rubber, leather, petroleum-coated items, garbage, or trash.
- Burn 7:00 a.m. to 30 minutes after sunset; completely extinguish by then.
- No burning when wind speed exceeds 9 mph (per National Weather Service).
- Supervise constantly by a competent person (16+) within 20 ft, with extinguishing equipment on hand.
- No smoke that substantially interferes with others’ health/safety or comfort.
Exemptions (no open-burn permit required)
- Cooking fires (grills, barbecue pits, outdoor fireplaces) for food preparation.
- Fires inside a structure (e.g., fireplaces, incinerators).
- Firefighter training/testing fires.
- Fires specifically approved in writing by the Fire Chief (e.g., agricultural/horticultural).
- Bonfires or campfires for social/aesthetic enjoyment that also follow the safety rules above.
Enforcement & penalties
- First violation: $224.80 plus court costs.
- Subsequent violations: $338.20 plus court costs.
In any conflict between this summary and the Municipal Code, the Code controls.