Spring Open Burn Season begins on March 1. In an effort to streamline the open burning process, regulations between Mesa County and the City of Grand Junction have been aligned. Mesa County Public Health hopes that clear expectations will dissolve confusion that sometimes comes with open burn seasons in the Grand Valley.
Clarifications to the nuisance rule include:
- Properties must be at least one acre in size to open burn.
- Properties smaller than one acre may burn to maintain irrigation ditch/lateral only.
- Annual permits – valid for both Spring and Fall Open Burn Seasons – are $25.
- Daily limits for open burning are 10 acres per day for non-pile burning and less than 250 cubic feet per day for pile burning.
- Piles should be at least 300 feet apart, otherwise, consider one pile for burning.
- Piles should be 50 feet from structures, including combustible fence.
- Expectations for violation investigation and enforcement to protect the health and safety of Mesa County residents.
“Our goal is to make these rules as clear as possible for our residents,” MCPH Executive Director Jeff Kuhr said. “As the authority on open burning in Mesa County, we have a responsibility to regulate this in a way that supports the Grand Valley way of life, our residents and our air quality.”
Agricultural open burning rules remain the same; burning is allowed year-round at no cost.
Residents are reminded that Spring Open Burn Season runs from March 1 – May 31. All burn permits require an application. Mesa County residents can apply for General Open Burn Permits beginning March 1 at health.mesacounty.us or at Mesa County Public Health, 510 29 ½ Road in Grand Junction.
Residents who live within Grand Junction city limits should contact the Grand Junction Fire Department at (970) 549-5800 or click here for information on open burn regulations and seasons.
Click here to read the entire nuisance rule, in full.