An Open Burning Permit allows a residential owner to burn in accordance with Chapter 133-17.D. of the Franklin Municipal Code. Burning permits are valid for residential use only; permits will not be issued to companies, business or organizations. A misrepresentation of the facts to obtain a permit will void the permit and subject the property owner and the person receiving the permit to penalties of law. Permits must be renewed annually. The owners of the property and/or the person receiving the permit are responsible for ensuring the regulations/restrictions listed below are adhered to.
APPLYING FOR A BURN PERMIT:
- Applications can be submitted in-person at the City Clerk's Office during regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday.
- Applications and payment can be mailed to: City of Franklin, 9229 W. Loomis Road, Franklin, WI 53132.
- OR you may apply ONLINE (see Instructions for Applying for a Burn Permit Online).
- Once an application is processed, an email will automatically be sent to the applicant to let them know the permit is ready for payment.
- Once a permit is paid, another email will automatically be sent to the applicant to let them know the permit is ready for downloading/printing.
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
- Applicant may PAY BY CHECK.
- Pay to the Order of City of Franklin.
- Include address and permit/invoice number.
- If you mail a check, please put attention Franklin City Clerk's Office.
- Drop a check in the outdoor DROP BOX at the main entrance to City Hall.
- Pay to the Order of City of Franklin.
- Include address and permit/invoice number.
- Pay by credit card at the Treasury Office. (Service fees will apply based on transaction type and are non-refundable.)
- Online Payment Options (Service fees will apply based on transaction type and are non-refundable.)
Outdoor burning restrictions:
- No person shall start or maintain an open fire without obtaining a permit.
- Wind velocity cannot exceed 9 miles per hour.
- Contents of the pile can only include leaves, brush, and other garden refuse. Burning of building materials is prohibited.
- The size of the pile shall not exceed 4 feet in width or 3 feet in height.
- A competent person, at least 16 years old, shall constantly supervise open burning until the fire is extinguished.
- The pile to be burned shall be a minimum of 50 feet from buildings and 25 feet from any public roadways, highways or other thoroughfare.
- Smoke shall be limited and shall not become a nuisance to neighbors or public roads. If smoke travels in such a manner to obscure any public roadway, highway or other public thoroughfare, the fire shall be extinguished.
- Open-air burning shall only be permitted from 7:00 a.m. to ½ hour after sunset.
- Burning shall be permitted from April 1 to June 15 and October 15 to November 30.
- Flammable or combustible liquids shall not be used to ignite or accelerate the fire at any point.
- All fires must have the proper means of extinguishment available at all times.
The Fire Chief or his designee reserves the right to revoke permits and/or impose monetary penalties on any party violating the above regulations. The Fire Chief or his designee reserves the right to order any open burning be extinguished. The Fire Chief or his designee may temporarily disallow open burning due to local circumstances, such as extremely dry conditions or any other unforeseen conditions. If you have any questions call the Fire Department at 414-425-1420.