Burn Permit - Land Clearing

What is the Purpose of this Permit?

If you are located in Benton, Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Spokane, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Whatcom, or Yakima county, please go to Local Clean Air Agencies to find the local clean air agency for your county. Contact them for information on land clearing burning in your area.

In Okanogan County, if you are removing orchard and not keeping the land in agriculture, contact Dan McCarthy, Okanogan County Pest Inspector at (509) 322-1286.

If you are not located in one of the above mentioned counties, the information below applies.

Land Clearing Burning means outdoor burning of trees, stumps, shrubbery, or other natural vegetation from land clearing projects (i.e., projects that clear the land surface so it can be developed, used for a different purpose, or left unused).

Who issues this Permit?

Department of Ecology

What Activities Require this Permit?

Burning land clearing debris.

NOTE: Land clearing burning is not allowed inside of urban growth areas (UGAs), within city limits of cities with a population of 10,000 or more, or within an area having a general population density of 1,000 or more persons per square mile.

How Much Will this Permit Cost?

None.

Where Can I Get the Application for this Permit?

The application which is called 'Land Clearing Burn Permit', is online and can be downloaded at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/ecy020124.html.

Do I Need to Include Anything with my Application?

You will need to include a map of the acreage you are proposing to burn with the outline clearly marked. The map must include section lines and roads and should include Township and Range coordinates as well. Maps without section lines will not be accepted. Hand drawn maps are acceptable if they meet the above requirements (The NRCS farm plan aerial photo maps, FSA aerial photos, or USGS 7.5 minutes maps are good for this purpose.)

Is the Decision on my Permit Dependent on Anything Besides the Information in my Application?

When you receive your burn permit, you must call 1-800-406-5322 prior to burning to make sure that burning is allowed for that day in your county or zone. You must notify your local fire protection authority prior to igniting any fire. Follow all permit conditions.

How Long Will it Take to Review my Application?

Where do I Submit my Application?

All applications are reviewed by the issuing office.

Schematic:

schematic

How Long is my Permit Valid?

Variable. One year or less.

What is the Appeal Process for the Permit?

Permits can be appealed directly to the issuing office.

Notes / Comments:

Legal Authority:

• Chapter 173-425 Outdoor Burning WAC
• Chapter 70.94 Washington Clean Air Act RCW

Links:

• Ecology's Outdoor Burning Home Page

Statewide Contact:

* Permit information last updated 2/1/2013.