Leaf burning season is open again in Houston County, Georgia. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division's summer open burning ban, which covers Houston and neighboring Peach County, ran from May 1 through September 30, and since October 1 residents can again burn hand-piled leaves and limbs, subject to state law and the rules of the city they live in.
Those city rules vary more than most homeowners expect. Perry no longer requires a burn permit for hand-piled natural vegetation. Warner Robins and Centerville fire departments issue burn permits. Neighboring Byron requires a permit for every burn, limits the season to October 1 through April 30, and caps pile size.
This spring also showed how fast the rules can change. On April 22, 2026, the Georgia Forestry Commission ordered a 30-day ban on all outdoor burning across 91 South Georgia counties, including Houston, and the Warner Robins Fire Department stopped issuing burn permits until further notice.
Key Takeaways
• Georgia EPD's summer open burning ban runs May 1 through September 30 and covers 54 counties, including Houston and Peach; it prohibits burning yard and land-clearing debris.
• Burning household garbage is banned year-round in Georgia.
• Under O.C.G.A. 12-6-90, hand-piled leaves and limbs can be burned without a Georgia Forestry Commission permit or notification, from sunrise to sunset, at least 25 feet from woodlands and 50 feet from structures, with a responsible person present.
• The City of Perry states that burn permits are no longer required for hand-piled natural vegetation and yard debris.
• The City of Byron requires a burn permit, allows burning only October 1 through April 30 from 8 a.m. to sunset, and limits piles to 6 by 6 by 3 feet.
• On April 22, 2026, the Georgia Forestry Commission issued a 30-day burn ban for 91 South Georgia counties, including Houston, set to expire May 22, 2026.
Is it legal to burn leaves in Houston County, GA right now?
In early November, yes, with conditions. The EPD summer burn ban that covers Houston County ended September 30. From October 1 until the ban returns May 1, residents can burn hand-piled yard debris as long as they follow state rules, local rules and any temporary ban that may be issued during dry weather.
The EPD ban prohibits citizens and businesses from burning yard and land-clearing debris during the summer months in 54 counties, including Houston and Peach. Agricultural burning, campfires and barbecues are among the listed exemptions. Burning household garbage is banned year-round under a separate state rule.
What are Georgia's rules for burning hand-piled leaves?
The Georgia Forestry Commission explains that under O.C.G.A. 12-6-90, as changed by Senate Bill 119, no permit or Forestry Commission notification is required for hand-piled natural vegetation, meaning leaves and limbs. Local ordinances still apply.
• Burn only from sunrise to sunset.
• Keep the fire at least 25 feet from woodlands and 50 feet from structures.
• A responsible person must stay on site until the fire is out.
• Burn only debris that came from the same property; it cannot be hauled in from somewhere else.
• Do not burn on high fire danger days.
• Do not burn household garbage, lumber or plastic.
Machine-piled debris, land clearing and agricultural or forestry burns are different. Those require Forestry Commission notification or a permit through 1-800-GA-TREES.
Do you need a burn permit in Warner Robins, Perry or Centerville?
Each city handles leaf burning differently, so the answer depends on which side of the city limits a home sits.
Perry: The Perry Fire and Emergency Services FAQ states that burn permits are no longer required for hand-piled natural vegetation and yard debris, and that the EPD summer ban for Houston County remains in effect from May 1 through September 30. The Perry Fire Marshal can be reached at 478-988-2759.
Warner Robins: The Warner Robins Fire Department issues burn permits. During the April 22 to May 22, 2026 Forestry Commission ban, the department announced it would not issue any burn permits until further notice. The department's normal permit process is not described on that notice, so residents should call 478-293-1020 before burning.
Centerville: The Centerville Fire Department page provides a burn permit application and states that burn permits will not be issued during the yearly burn ban from May 1 through September 30.
Unincorporated Houston County: Rules specific to Houston County Fire for areas such as Kathleen, Bonaire and Elko were not confirmed from an official county page for this article. At a minimum, the state rules above apply.
What are the burn permit rules in neighboring Byron?
Neighboring Byron, in Peach County, has the most detailed published rules in the area. Residents submit a burn permit request and wait for a permit number by return call or email before burning, and weekend permits are issued online. Burning is allowed only from October 1 through April 30, between 8 a.m. and sunset, and the fire must be out before dark.
Byron limits piles to 6 by 6 by 3 feet and requires the fire to be at least 50 feet from any structure and 50 feet from all property lines. Burning is not permitted when sustained winds exceed 10 mph, a competent adult must guard the burn the entire time, and only natural vegetation from the property can be burned on that property. Byron Municipal Complex is at 478-956-3600, and properties outside Byron city limits are directed to the Georgia Forestry Commission.
Can neighbors or an HOA stop you from burning leaves?
State law and city rules set the minimum. Many subdivisions in Warner Robins, Perry, Bonaire and Kathleen also have recorded covenants, and some associations restrict or prohibit open burning entirely. Those private rules apply even when the city or state would allow a burn.
Distance rules also matter more on smaller lots. Byron's 50-foot setback from property lines can rule out burning on many in-town lots, and the state's 50-foot distance from structures applies to neighbors' homes and sheds as well as your own. Smoke drifting into a neighbor's yard is one of the most common sources of complaints, and many households choose curbside yard waste pickup or mulching instead.
How do leaf burning rules compare across Houston County and Byron?
The table summarizes the published rules found for each area as of November 2026. Statewide rules, including the summer ban and the no-garbage rule, apply in every row.
Hand-piled leaf burning rules by area
Area | Permit for hand-piled leaves | Season and hours | Notable local rules | Contact |
Warner Robins | Fire Department issues burn permits | No burning May 1 to Sept. 30; permits suspended during the April 22 to May 22, 2026 ban | Normal process not described on notice | 478-293-1020 |
Perry | Not required for hand-piled natural vegetation | No burning May 1 to Sept. 30 | State rules apply | Fire Marshal 478-988-2759 |
Centerville | Burn permit application provided | No permits May 1 to Sept. 30 | Apply through Fire Department | Centerville Fire Department |
Kathleen, Bonaire, Elko (unincorporated) | No GFC permit under state law; county rules not confirmed | Sunrise to sunset; no burning May 1 to Sept. 30 | 25 ft from woodlands, 50 ft from structures | Georgia Forestry Commission |
Neighboring Byron | Permit required for each burn | Oct. 1 to April 30, 8 a.m. to sunset | 6x6x3 ft pile; 50 ft from structures and property lines; no burning over 10 mph wind | 478-956-3600 |
The most permissive published rule is Perry's, where hand-piled leaves need no permit, and the most restrictive is Byron's, with a permit, a shorter season, a pile size cap and a 50-foot property line setback. Warner Robins and Centerville both run permit systems, which means a call before each burn. For anyone moving within the area, burning rules are a small but real example of how city limits change day-to-day homeownership, and the April 2026 statewide ban showed that any of these rules can be suspended on short notice.
Does yard upkeep matter when selling a home in Houston County this fall?
Fall leaf drop in Houston County lines up with the October through April burning season, and yard condition is part of first impressions for listing photos and showings.
When I prepare a home for market in the fall, I suggest getting leaves cleared before photos, and I usually recommend bagging or hauling over burning right before a listing goes live. A burn pile scar in the backyard or smoke drifting through a showing does not help. If a seller wants to burn, I want them to check their city's rules and the HOA covenants first.
Should I check burning rules before buying a home with a big yard in Houston County?
Leaf burning rules differ between Perry, Warner Robins, Centerville, unincorporated Houston County and neighboring Byron, and HOA covenants can add restrictions on top of those rules.
When buyers tell me they want land and big trees, I mention yard maintenance early. A wooded lot in Kathleen or Bonaire comes with a lot of leaves every fall, and the plan for handling them depends on where the house sits and what the covenants say. It is a small question, but it is one more way I help buyers understand how a property will work once they live there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you burn leaves in Houston County, GA?
Yes, outside the summer burn ban, subject to state and local rules. The Georgia EPD summer open burning ban covers Houston County from May 1 through September 30. Under O.C.G.A. 12-6-90, hand-piled leaves and limbs can be burned without a Georgia Forestry Commission permit from sunrise to sunset. City rules in Warner Robins, Perry and Centerville also apply.
When is the burn ban in Houston County, Georgia?
The Georgia EPD summer open burning ban runs from May 1 through September 30 each year in 54 counties, including Houston and Peach. It prohibits burning yard and land-clearing debris. The Georgia Forestry Commission can also issue temporary bans during dry weather. A 30-day ban for 91 South Georgia counties, including Houston, began April 22, 2026.
Do you need a burn permit in Perry, GA?
No, not for hand-piled natural vegetation and yard debris. The Perry Fire and Emergency Services FAQ states that burn permits are no longer required for that material. The EPD summer ban for Houston County still applies from May 1 through September 30. State rules on hours and distances also apply.
Do you need a burn permit in Warner Robins, GA?
The Warner Robins Fire Department issues burn permits. During the April 22 to May 22, 2026 Georgia Forestry Commission ban, the department stopped issuing burn permits until further notice. The department can be reached at 478-293-1020. Residents should confirm the current process before burning.
What are the burn permit rules in Byron, GA?
The City of Byron in Peach County requires a burn permit, allows burning only from October 1 through April 30, and limits burning to 8 a.m. until sunset. Piles may not exceed 6 by 6 by 3 feet. Fires must be at least 50 feet from structures and property lines, and burning is not allowed when sustained winds exceed 10 mph. A competent adult must guard the fire the entire time.
Do you need a burn permit in Centerville, GA?
The Centerville Fire Department provides a burn permit application on its website. The department states that burn permits will not be issued during the yearly burn ban from May 1 through September 30. Residents can apply through the Fire Department outside that period. State rules on burning also apply.
How far from a house can you burn leaves in Georgia?
The Georgia Forestry Commission states that hand-piled yard debris fires must be at least 50 feet from structures. They must also be at least 25 feet from woodlands. Some cities, such as Byron, add a 50-foot setback from property lines. Local rules may be stricter than state rules.
What hours can you burn leaves in Houston County, GA?
Under Georgia Forestry Commission guidance, hand-piled leaves and limbs may be burned from sunrise to sunset. Neighboring Byron limits burning to 8 a.m. until sunset and requires the fire to be out before dark. A responsible person must stay with the fire until it is out. Burning should not happen on high fire danger days.
Can you burn household trash in Houston County, Georgia?
No. Burning household garbage is banned year-round in Georgia under a state rule separate from the summer burn ban. The Georgia Forestry Commission also lists lumber and plastic as unlawful to burn. Only natural vegetation such as leaves and limbs qualifies for residential yard debris burning.
Can you burn leaves brought from another property in Georgia?
No. The Georgia Forestry Commission states that debris must be burned on the premises where it originated. Debris cannot be collected and hauled to another site for burning. Byron's rules likewise allow only natural vegetation from the property to be burned on that property.
Can an HOA prohibit burning leaves in Houston County?
Yes, private covenants can restrict or prohibit open burning even where state and city rules allow it. Many subdivisions in Warner Robins, Perry, Bonaire and Kathleen have recorded covenants. Covenants are enforced by the association, separate from fire department rules. Homeowners should check their covenants before burning.
Who do you call about burning in unincorporated Houston County, GA?
For unincorporated areas such as Kathleen, Bonaire and Elko, the Georgia Forestry Commission sets the state rules for yard debris and handles permits for larger burns at 1-800-GA-TREES. Hand-piled leaves and limbs do not require a Forestry Commission permit or notification. Houston County Fire rules specific to unincorporated areas were not confirmed for this article. Local fire officials can confirm any additional requirements.
About the Author
William Walton-Dean is a licensed REALTOR® with Walton Dean Realty, operating under Real Broker LLC, serving buyers and sellers across Houston County, Georgia, including Perry, Warner Robins, Bonaire, Kathleen, Byron, and the surrounding Middle Georgia housing market. He brings a data-driven, hyper-local approach to both residential and commercial transactions, working with first-time buyers, move-up sellers, investors, and families relocating to the area, including those tied to Robins Air Force Base. Drawing on a prior career as a C-level executive, he helps buyers and sellers at every price point make clear, confident decisions backed by real market insight.
📱 478-371-7069
Walton Dean Realty | Real Broker LLC
Buying or Selling in Houston County? Let's Talk About How Your Home Lives Day to Day
If you are weighing homes in Warner Robins, Perry, Kathleen or Bonaire, I can help you understand the local rules and costs that come with each area before you decide. Reach out and we will find the property and the neighborhood that fit the way you want to live.
William Walton-Dean | Walton Dean Realty
📱 478-371-7069
A More Strategic Approach to Real Estate
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal or fire safety advice. Burning rules change and temporary bans can be issued on short notice. Check with your city fire department, the Georgia Forestry Commission, and your HOA before burning.
