Open Burning Permit

Residents wanting to burn lawn waste, have a bonfire or do a prescribed burn on their property must apply for and be issued a permit before commencing with an open burn:

• Burning landscape waste, bonfires and prescribed burns require a permit.
  • Click here for additional information on Prescribed Burn Requirements refer to the attached handout at the bottom of the page.
• Outdoor barbecues and fire pits in containers approved for such use do not require a permit.
• All other burning is prohibited.

Fire Department

Applicants must notify the Lincolnshire Riverwoods Fire Protection District prior to conducting any burn. To do so, please contact the on-duty Battalion Chief at the Fire Department by calling 847-812-1315.

Permits

• Permits are issued by the Building Department and can take up to 10 business days to process.
• Complete the permit application form at the bottom of this page or click here for a pdf version of the application.
• Submit completed applications via email at vhofeld [at] riverwoods.gov (vhofeld[at]riverwoods[dot]gov) or drop of at Village Hall, 300 Portwine Rd.
• Cost: $50.00 per permit
• Permits are issued by quarter:
  • January 1 – March 31   
  • April 1 – June 30
  • July 1 – September 30  
  • October 1 – December 31
• Residents may request permits for multiple quarters.
• The Building Department will provide a diagram of approved open burn areas for property with issued permit.
• Failure to abide by the requirements for open burning may result in the immediate rescinding of the permit or issuance of a citation.

Air Quality and Fire Alerts

Open burning is PROHIBITED when an Air Quality or Fire Alert is declared by the Village President under various conditions. 

• Alerts will be posted on the Village website. Prior to kindling a fire, residents must check the Village website to verify if an Alert is active. Click here for the Village's Air Quality and Fire Alert status.

Open Burning Rules and Prohibitions 

Open burning is PROHIBITED by residents, except for: 

1. Burning of landscape waste with a permit between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
   • Landscape waste includes fallen leaves, brush, twigs, and sticks, as those terms are commonly understood, that is generated from the property and not brought in from elsewhere.
   • Landscape waste DOES NOT include grass clippings, garbage, litter, refuse, rubbish or logs, lumber or manufactured wood products.
   • All materials being burned shall be dry enough to minimize excessive smoke.
2. Forestry restoration or management practices performed with a permit and following all requirements of the IEPA.
3. Outdoor barbecues.
4. Fire pits in containers approved for such use.

When allowed, open burning must always comply with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) requirements and the following: 

• Locations: The fire may not be located within the front, side or rear yards (the open area forming the perimeter of each lot that must be kept free of buildings and structures). The fire, including fire pits/rings without covers/arrestors, must be located more than 50 feet from any structure. Fire rings or pits with covers/arrestors must be located more than 15 feet from any structure. Open burning shall not occur under low hanging trees.
• Size: The fuel area of the fire may not be more than 3 feet in diameter with a height of not more than 2 feet.
• Extinguishers: A hose connected to a water supply must be within 10 feet of the fire or a portable fire extinguisher(s) (1-4A or 2-2A each) must be present within 10 feet of the location of the fire.
• Attendance: Any open burning shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished.
• Nuisance: Open burning smoke may be considered a nuisance under the Village Code. Be mindful of wind direction and speed on days that you burn.