Burning in urban and residential areas within the Coffs Harbour local government area is restricted. Only certain outdoor fires are allowed, depending on the activity, location and conditions.
Burning vegetation is generally allowed on properties zoned rural (RU2) or large‑lot residential (R5) where the property is not located within or adjoining an urban area, and where all requirements under the Rural Fires Act 1997 are met.
Burning vegetation in rural areas
If you plan to burn vegetation in rural areas, you must:
Adjoining landowners who have not been notified may lodge a complaint with the NSW RFS at
csc@rfs.nsw.gov.au
Outdoor fires that do not require City approval
City approval is not required for the following outdoor fires, provided they are carried out responsibly and no fire bans or no‑burn notices apply:
- Fire pits, barbecues, campfires or picnic fires used for cooking or recreation
- Burning vegetation as part of agricultural activities on land zoned RU2 or R5
- Authorised bushfire hazard reduction burns
- Fires carried out or overseen by NSW Rural Fire Service or Fire and Rescue NSW
(the City should be notified at least 24 hours before the burn)
Fire bans and no‑burn notices issued by the NSW RFS override all of the above, unless an exemption applies.
Fire pits and barbecues
Residents generally do not need approval to use a backyard fire pit or barbecue, provided it is operated responsibly and does not cause excessive smoke.
Only the following may be burned:
- Dry, well‑seasoned, untreated wood
- LPG, natural gas or approved barbecue fuels
The following must not be burned:
- Household waste
- Treated or painted timber
- Plastics or other materials that cause excessive smoke
The City may take action where smoke causes a nuisance or air pollution.
Burning materials other than vegetation
Burning materials other than vegetation (for example, waste materials) requires approval from the City.
In limited circumstances, approval may be considered after assessing:
- Impacts on local and regional air quality and amenity
- Availability of reuse, recycling or alternative disposal options
- Potential impacts on nearby residents
- Advice from the NSW Environment Protection Authority Community views where relevant
Further details are available under the approval process tab.
General obligations
Under the Protection of the Environment Operations (Clean Air) Regulation 2022, anyone lighting a fire must take reasonable measures to minimise air pollution, including:
- Burning only dry, well‑seasoned, untreated wood
- Checking weather conditions and wind direction
- Limiting the size, frequency and duration of fires
Non‑compliance
Failure to comply with burning controls or air pollution requirements may result in penalty notices of:
- $500 for individuals
- $1,000 for corporations