aq1-60a

Last updated: 5/15/2013

To help provide a better understanding on how outdoor fuel combustion units (outdoor wood boilers) are 

regulated in Minnesota, attached is a compiled summary of city ordinances. When available, website links 

are provided for more detailed information. Note: THIS MAY NOT BE A COMPLETE LIST. An ordinance 

may contain additional requirements, may have been missed, or may have changed since this spreadsheet 

was last compiled. For more complete details on actual ordinance language, or for cities not found on the 

list, review the city ordinance directly.
Minnesota Local Ordinances Related to Residential Wood Burning Boilers

(05/15/2013)

aq1-60a 2

City with link to ordinance Ordinance 

Number Year Definitions Purpose/ Declaration

Applicability/ 

Exclusions Prohibitions Nuisance Reference

Permits 

required

Limit time 

when allowed

Additional 

requirements for 

Existing Units

Installation 

Specifications

Emission 

Limits/standards

Stack/Chimney 

Height

Chimney/ 

Stack 

Construction 

Properties

Setback/Property 

Restrictions

Fuels Allowed/ 

Fuels Not Allowed

Fuel Storage 

Requirements

Manageme

nt of Ashes

Enforcemen

t and/or 

penalties

Liability Misc

Aitkin Ordinance

No. 341 with 

reference to 

Nuisance 

Ordinance No. 

330

5/2010

Solid fuel-fired 

heating device; 

Stacks or 

Chimneys; 

Person; 

Traditional 

Wood Burning 

Fireplace; Burn 

Barrel

X 

(in this document, "X" 

indicates additional 

language is provided 

in the ordinance 

about this topic)

New Units Prohibited

Existing allowed, 

but shall not 

create any 

nuisance (Dense 

smoke, noxious 

fumes, gas, and 

soot or cinders in 

unreasonable 

quantities)

Existing cannot be 

extended, enlarged, 

or expanded.

Albany Ordinance Nuisance 

Ordinance 78 2008

Biofuel Burner; 

Stacks or 

Chimneys

X

Excludes traditional 

woodburning stoves 

and fireplaces

New Units Prohibited

Subject to 

nuisance: Any 

dense smoke, 

noxious fumes, gas 

and soot, or 

cinders, in 

unreasonable 

quantities, or 

burning fuels for 

which the device 

was not designed 

is a public 

nuisance

Can only be 

used from 

September 1st 

to May 31st

Existing cannot be 

extended, enlarged, 

or expanded. Must 

be abandoned, not 

used, and removed 

from property after 

useful life or if it 

needs to be repaired 

to function properly

Existing units 

required to meet 

emission 

standards 

currently 

required by the 

EPA

Existing units 

required to 

meet or exceed 

mfg guidelines 

with a minimum 

of 25ft above 

ground level and 

at least as high 

as residential 

roofs within 500 

ft.

Allowable fuels: 

biomass pellets, corn, 

firewood, and clean, 

untreated lumber or 

other wood product 

prepared or cut to length 

appropriate for burning

X X

Existing non-complying 

stack shall be removed, 

replaced or modified within 

60 days of notice

Amboy Ordinance Subchapter 

90.01-90.04 11/2006

Alternative Fuel 

Burning 

Devices, 

External Solid 

Fuel-Fired 

Heating Device, 

Stacks or 

Chimneys

Subject to 

nuisance: Any 

dense smoke, 

noxious fumes, gas 

and soot, or 

cinders, in 

unreasonable 

quantities, or 

burning fuels for 

which the device 

was not designed 

is a public 

nuisance

Zoning permit 

required for 

new units

Prohibited 

from May 

through 

September

All units are 

required to meet 

emission 

standards 

currently 

required by EPA 

and UL

X

Only those designed for 

burning in the units, no 

garbage; Non-treated 

wood and wood 

products or products 

approved by the state 

for burning in the device

X X
Minnesota Local Ordinances Related to Residential Wood Burning Boilers

(05/15/2013)

aq1-60a 3

City with link to ordinance Ordinance 

Number Year Definitions Purpose/ Declaration

Applicability/ 

Exclusions Prohibitions Nuisance Reference

Permits 

required

Limit time 

when allowed

Additional 

requirements for 

Existing Units

Installation 

Specifications

Emission 

Limits/standards

Stack/Chimney 

Height

Chimney/ 

Stack 

Construction 

Properties

Setback/Property 

Restrictions

Fuels Allowed/ 

Fuels Not Allowed

Fuel Storage 

Requirements

Manageme

nt of Ashes

Enforcemen

t and/or 

penalties

Liability Misc

Barrett Ordinance Zoning Section 

14 1/2011

"External solid 

fuel-fired 

heating 

device”, “Stacks 

or Chimneys”, 

“refuse or 

garbage”

Excludes grilling, 

cooking, etc.; stoves, 

furnaces, fireplaces, 

etc within a building, 

certain fuels, 

recreational fires

Subject to 

nuisance: Any 

dense smoke, 

noxious fumes, gas 

and soot, or 

cinders, in 

unreasonable 

quantities, or 

burning fuels for 

which the device 

was not designed 

is a public 

nuisance

Zoning permit 

required for 

new units sold, 

purchased or 

installed

Use prohibited 

from May 

through 

October

Reputable 

contractor

All units are 

required to meet 

emission 

standards 

currently 

required by EPA 

and UL

Between 20 to 

40 feet above 

ground; 2 feet 

higher than 

residential roofs 

within 500 feet.

X

Not less than 50 

feet from 

combustible or 

structure (or 20 feet 

if enclosed in a 

noncombustible 

building (steel or 

concrete); At least 

500 feet from 

nearest building not 

on the same 

property; Check 

with insurance 

company about 

policy requirements

only fuels designed for 

burning in unit; no 

garbage or refuse

X X

for damage 

caused by 

fire
Minnesota Local Ordinances Related to Residential Wood Burning Boilers

(05/15/2013)

aq1-60a 4

City with link to ordinance Ordinance 

Number Year Definitions Purpose/ Declaration

Applicability/ 

Exclusions Prohibitions Nuisance Reference

Permits 

required

Limit time 

when allowed

Additional 

requirements for 

Existing Units

Installation 

Specifications

Emission 

Limits/standards

Stack/Chimney 

Height

Chimney/ 

Stack 

Construction 

Properties

Setback/Property 

Restrictions

Fuels Allowed/ 

Fuels Not Allowed

Fuel Storage 

Requirements

Manageme

nt of Ashes

Enforcemen

t and/or 

penalties

Liability Misc

Battle Lake Ordinance Chapter 96 9/2008

External Solid 

Fuel-fired 

Heating Device, 

Stack or 

chimneys, 

Refuse or 

garbage

Subject to 

nuisance: Any 

dense smoke, 

noxious fumes, gas 

and soot, or 

cinders, in 

unreasonable 

quantities, or 

burning fuels for 

which the device 

was not designed 

is a public 

nuisance

Permit required 

for new units 

sold, purchased, 

or installed 

Licensed contractor 

knowledgeable 

about the system

All units are 

required to meet 

emission 

standards 

currently 

required by EPA 

and UL

minimum 20 

feet/maximum 

40 feet above 

ground level, 

but shall also 

extend as high 

of residential 

roofs within 500 

feet

X

Not less than 50 

feet from 

combustible or 

structure (or 20 feet 

if enclosed in a 

noncombustible 

building (steel or 

concrete); At least 

500 feet from 

nearest building not 

on the same 

property; Check 

with insurance 

company about 

policy requirements

X X X X

Blue Earth Ordinance Subsection 

920.05 2/2010

External solid 

fuel-fired 

heating device; 

Stack or 

chimneys

New Units Prohibited

Existing cannot be 

extended, enlarged, 

or expanded. Must 

be abandoned, not 

used, and removed 

from property after 

useful life or if it 

needs to be repaired 

to function properly

X

Cannon Falls Ordinance Section 97.071

External Solid 

Fuel-fired 

Heating Device, 

Stack or 

chimneys

Subject to 

nuisance: Any 

dense smoke, 

noxious fumes, gas 

and soot, or 

cinders, in 

unreasonable 

quantities, or 

burning fuels for 

which the device 

was not designed 

is a public 

nuisance

Minimum 20 

feet/maximum 

40 feet above 

ground level, 

but shall also 

extend as high 

of residential 

roofs within 500 

feet

X

Lot size minimum of 

4 acres; minimum 

of 50 feet from all 

property lines and 

10 feet from any 

principal or 

accessory structure

Only fuels designed for 

burning in the device. 

No garbage. Only 

untreated fuel: wood 

may not be treated, 

processed, stained, 

finished, or painted. 

Specifically prohibited 

woods include plywood, 

particle board and 

similar products. Other 

fuels such as corn, shall 

not contain additives, 

treatment, or chemicals. 

No petroleum products 

or processed materials 

of any kind.
Minnesota Local Ordinances Related to Residential Wood Burning Boilers

(05/15/2013)

aq1-60a 5

City with link to ordinance Ordinance 

Number Year Definitions Purpose/ Declaration

Applicability/ 

Exclusions Prohibitions Nuisance Reference

Permits 

required

Limit time 

when allowed

Additional 

requirements for 

Existing Units

Installation 

Specifications

Emission 

Limits/standards

Stack/Chimney 

Height

Chimney/ 

Stack 

Construction 

Properties

Setback/Property 

Restrictions

Fuels Allowed/ 

Fuels Not Allowed

Fuel Storage 

Requirements

Manageme

nt of Ashes

Enforcemen

t and/or 

penalties

Liability Misc

Eagan Ordinances

Chapter 11, 

Section 11.40 – 

General 

Provisions, 

Subdivision 10 – 

Outdoor Wood 

Boiler Systems

8/2010

Outdoor wood 

boiler, clean 

fuel, and public 

nuisance 

Subject to 

nuisance: Any 

dense smoke, 

noxious fumes, gas 

and soot, or 

cinders, in 

unreasonable 

quantities, or 

burning fuels for 

which the device 

was not designed 

is a public 

nuisance

Building permit 

required

Required to meet 

requirements except 

setback

Minimum of 300 

feet from property 

line

Clean fuel only X

Meets local, state, and 

federal regs, follows mfg 

specs

Eyota Ordinance Ordinance 117 7/2007

Construction 

and demolition 

debris, Outdoor 

fired boiler, 

Refuse

X X (additional details 

found in ordinance)

Only allowed in Area 

Zoned in R-1 (low density 

residential)

At least 15 feet 

above ground 

surface; At least 

as high as 

residential roofs 

within 500 feet

Located 500 feet 

from nearest 

building not on the 

same property

No refuse; Burn Clean 

Wood (which has not 

been painted, varnished 

or coated, pressure 

treated with 

preservatives, and 

doesn’t contain resins or 

glues); Additional 

details on materials not 

allowed to be burned 

(rubbish, asphalt, 

plastics, rubber, etc)

X

Forest Lake Ordinance

Zoning Code: 

Environmental 

Regulations 

(153.261)

12/2007 and 

2/2010

Outdoor wood 

boiler system, 

and clean fuel

Allows installation in the 

conservancy, agriculture, 

rural residential, and 

industrial zoning areas

Don’t operate in a 

manner in which it 

creates any dense 

smoke, noxious 

fumes, gas or soot 

or cinders in 

unreasonable 

quantities.

Requires a 

building 

permit/certifica

te of 

compliance 

prior to 

installing, 

altering, or 

relocating.

Can't operate 

from April 1 to 

October 1

Subject to same 

requirements other 

than setback and 

zoning area 

restrictions

Required to meet 

all building and fire 

codes, and mfg 

specifications

2 feet higher 

than the roof 

line being 

served and 

residential/princ

ipal buildings 

within 500 feet 

of the system

Located at least 300 

feet from residence 

or principal building 

(not on the 

proposer’s 

property)

Clean fuel only
Minnesota Local Ordinances Related to Residential Wood Burning Boilers

(05/15/2013)

aq1-60a 6

City with link to ordinance Ordinance 

Number Year Definitions Purpose/ Declaration

Applicability/ 

Exclusions Prohibitions Nuisance Reference

Permits 

required

Limit time 

when allowed

Additional 

requirements for 

Existing Units

Installation 

Specifications

Emission 

Limits/standards

Stack/Chimney 

Height

Chimney/ 

Stack 

Construction 

Properties

Setback/Property 

Restrictions

Fuels Allowed/ 

Fuels Not Allowed

Fuel Storage 

Requirements

Manageme

nt of Ashes

Enforcemen

t and/or 

penalties

Liability Misc

Franklin Ordinance

(Note: the 

website has a 

link to 

ordinances from 

2003 which 

does not 

contain 92.80, 

passed in 2006)

9/2006

External solid 

fuel-fired 

heating device, 

stacks or 

chimenys

Does include: solid 

fuel-fired stoves, solid 

fuel-fired cooking 

stoves, and 

combination fuel 

furnaces or boiler 

which burn solid fuel. 

Does not include: 

natural gas-fired 

fireplace logs or woodburning fireplaces or 

wood stoves in the 

interior of a dwelling.

Subject to 

nuisance: Any 

dense smoke, 

noxious fumes, gas 

and soot, or 

cinders, in 

unreasonable 

quantities, or 

burning fuels for 

which the device 

was not designed 

is a public 

nuisance

Zoning permit 

required for 

new units

Ban on use 

during May, 

June, July, 

August, and 

September

Required to meet 

EPA emission 

standards and UL.

Mnimum of 25 

feet above 

ground level

X Only fuels designed for 

burning; no garbage X X

Grove City Ordinance Section 92.71

External Solid 

Fuel-fired 

Heating Device, 

Stacks or 

Chimneys

Subject to 

nuisance: Any 

dense smoke, 

noxious fumes, gas 

and soot, or 

cinders, in 

unreasonable 

quantities, or 

burning fuels for 

which the device 

was not designed 

is a public 

nuisance

Minimum of 25 

feet above 

ground level, 

but at least as 

high as the 

height of 

residential roofs 

within 500 feet

X

Lot size: minimum 

of 4 acres 

Setback: Minimum 

of 50 feet from 

property lines and 

10 feet from any 

principal or 

accessory structure.

Only fuels designed for 

burning in the device; no 

garbage. 

Only untreated fuel – 

wood may not be 

treated, processed, 

stained, finished or 

painted; specifically 

prohibited include 

plywood, particle board 

and similar. Other fuels 

such as corn, shall not 

contain additives, 

treatments or chemicals; 

no petroleum

X

Harmony Ordinance

Title IX, Chapter 

92, 92.70 – 

92.74

Free Standing 

Furnace X

Permit required 

prior to 

installation

Prohibited 

from May 1 

through 

October 1

Allows for existing, 

non-conforming 

units but they 

cannot be extended, 

enlarged, expanded, 

or replaced. If 

abandoned or not 

used for 12 

consecutive months, 

non-conforming 

units cannot be used 

and mist be 

immediately 

removed.

EPA certified

At least 15 feet 

above ground 

surface and at 

least as high as 

residential roofs 

within 500 feet

Minimum of 50 feet 

from property line 

and 10 feet from 

any principal or 

accessory structure.

Only fuel is untreated 

fuel. Wood may not be 

treated, processed, 

stained, finished, or 

painted. Prohibits 

plywood, particle board, 

and similar products. 

Other fuel, such as 

corn,shall not contain 

additives, treatments, or 

chemicals. No 

petroleum products or 

processed materials may 

be burned.

X
Minnesota Local Ordinances Related to Residential Wood Burning Boilers

(05/15/2013)

aq1-60a 7

City with link to ordinance Ordinance 

Number Year Definitions Purpose/ Declaration

Applicability/ 

Exclusions Prohibitions Nuisance Reference

Permits 

required

Limit time 

when allowed

Additional 

requirements for 

Existing Units

Installation 

Specifications

Emission 

Limits/standards

Stack/Chimney 

Height

Chimney/ 

Stack 

Construction 

Properties

Setback/Property 

Restrictions

Fuels Allowed/ 

Fuels Not Allowed

Fuel Storage 

Requirements

Manageme

nt of Ashes

Enforcemen

t and/or 

penalties

Liability Misc

Houston Ordinance Section 174.10 1/2006

Outdoor Wood 

Burning 

Furnace

X Allowed only in Zones R-1 

and R-2

Prohibited use 

from April 15 

to September 

15

Allows for existing, 

non-conforming 

units but they 

cannot be extended, 

enlarged, expanded, 

or replaced. If 

abandoned or not 

used for 12 

consecutive months, 

non-conforming 

units cannot be used 

and mist be 

immediately 

removed.

EPA certified 

stove

At least 15 feet 

above ground 

level and equal 

to adjacent 

property’s 

residential roofs 

within 100 feet

Minimum of 50 feet 

from property line 

and 10 feet from 

any principal or 

accessory structure.

Only fuel is untreated 

fuel. Wood may not be 

treated, processed, 

stained, finished, or 

painted. Prohibits 

plywood, particle board, 

and similar products. 

Other fuel, such as 

corn,shall not contain 

additives, treatments, or 

chemicals. No 

petroleum products or 

processed materials may 

be burned.

X

Inver Grove Heights 

Ordinance

Title 10, Chapter 

17 2010 Outdoor 

Burner/Boiler

Including but not 

limited to wood 

pellets or corn; 

located outside of the 

structure or building 

for which it is 

primarily designed; 

piping; lists synonyms 

for device. Excludes 

fire pits, recreational 

fires, or fireplaces.

New units prohibited; 

Existing units prohibited 

after October 1, 2011

Kennedy Ordinance 

(website unknown) #64 1/2007

External solid 

fuel-fired 

heating device, 

Stacks or 

chimneys

Subject to 

nuisance: Any 

dense smoke, 

noxious fumes, gas 

and soot, or 

cinders, in 

unreasonable 

quantities, or 

burning fuels for 

which the device 

was not designed 

is a public 

nuisance

Building permit 

required for 

units purchased 

or sold after 

effective date

Required to meet 

EPA emission 

standards and UL.

Minimum of 25 

feet above 

ground level and 

extend at least 

as high as the 

height of the 

residential roofs 

within 500 feet

Only allowed fuels X
Minnesota Local Ordinances Related to Residential Wood Burning Boilers

(05/15/2013)

aq1-60a 8

City with link to ordinance Ordinance 

Number Year Definitions Purpose/ Declaration

Applicability/ 

Exclusions Prohibitions Nuisance Reference

Permits 

required

Limit time 

when allowed

Additional 

requirements for 

Existing Units

Installation 

Specifications

Emission 

Limits/standards

Stack/Chimney 

Height

Chimney/ 

Stack 

Construction 

Properties

Setback/Property 

Restrictions

Fuels Allowed/ 

Fuels Not Allowed

Fuel Storage 

Requirements

Manageme

nt of Ashes

Enforcemen

t and/or 

penalties

Liability Misc

Lakefield Ordinance

Zoning (§90.63) 

found under 

Title 1 General 

Provisions on 

website, but 

may fall under 

Title IX, Chapter 

90

2007

External solid 

fuel-fired 

heating device

Includes solid fuelfired stoves, solid fuelfired cooking stoves, 

and combination fuel 

furnaces or boilers 

which burn solid fuel. 

Does not include 

natural gas-fired 

fireplace logs or woodburning, corn-burning 

or pellet-burning 

fireplaces or 

woodstoves in the 

interior of a dwelling.

Subject to 

nuisance: Any 

dense smoke, 

noxious fumes, gas 

and soot, or 

cinders, in 

unreasonable 

quantities, or 

burning fuels for 

which the device 

was not designed 

is a public 

nuisance

Permit required 

for new units 

sold or 

purchased after 

effective date

Required to meet 

EPA emission 

standards and UL.

Minimum height 

of two feet 

above the 

highest roofline 

within 100 feet.

X

Only fuels designed to 

burn in the device; No 

garbage

X

Lakeville Ordinance

Alternative 

Energy Systems, 

Hydronic 

Furnaces, 

Chapter 29, 

11-29-9

2010 Only allowed in 

agricultural/rural districts

Interim use 

permit

Installation and 

maintenance 

required to meet 

local, state and 

federal regulations; 

and Mfg specs.

EPA Phase II

Minimum lot size: 

10 acres; Setback: 

100 feet from 

property lines

Allowed burning 

material: corn, pellet 

materials, or natural, dry 

uncoated wood without 

resins or glues (ie no 

plywood or composites)

X

Little Falls Ordinance

Chapter 11, 

Section 11.07 

(H)

7/2006 Outdoor boilers

Allowed in any zoning 

district except: limited 

business district (B-1); 

general business district 

(B-2) and non-central 

business district (B-3)

Permit required 

before 

construction

Operated only 

between 

October 1 and 

May 1

Minimum of at 

least 15 feet 

above the 

ground surface; 

at least as high 

as the height of 

residential roofs 

within 500 feet.

Minimum lot size: 5 

acres; Setback: 200 

feet from property 

lines

Allowed burning 

materials: firewood, 

untreated lumber; no 

biomass

Be equipped with a 

properly functioning spark 

arrestor

Madison Lake

Title IX, Chapter 

93, Subchapter 

93.030-93.036

9/2008

External solid 

fuel-fired 

heating device; 

Stack or 

chimneys

New units prohibited 

within the city

Existing units 

allowed but cannot 

be extended, 

enlarged, or 

expanded. After 

useful life or if 

repairs are needed, 

the device cannot be 

replaced and must 

be removed.

X
Minnesota Local Ordinances Related to Residential Wood Burning Boilers

(05/15/2013)

aq1-60a 9

City with link to ordinance Ordinance 

Number Year Definitions Purpose/ Declaration

Applicability/ 

Exclusions Prohibitions Nuisance Reference

Permits 

required

Limit time 

when allowed

Additional 

requirements for 

Existing Units

Installation 

Specifications

Emission 

Limits/standards

Stack/Chimney 

Height

Chimney/ 

Stack 

Construction 

Properties

Setback/Property 

Restrictions

Fuels Allowed/ 

Fuels Not Allowed

Fuel Storage 

Requirements

Manageme

nt of Ashes

Enforcemen

t and/or 

penalties

Liability Misc

Mantorville Ordinance Title XV, Section 

150.034 3/2003

Permit and 

Zoning 

Certificate 

required

Approved by 

building official and 

meet applicable 

fire, plumbing, and 

building codes

Located entirely on 

a property for which 

it is intended to 

serve; Considered 

an accessory 

structure and needs 

to meet appropriate 

setbacks based on 

zoning districts

Allowed materials: 

untreated wood 

products or organic 

fuels. Not acceptable: 

garbage, tires, and other 

materials 

X Compliance with local, 

state, and federal laws

Mora Ordinance

Title XV, 

Chapter 150: 

150.062(O); 

150.092 (J); 

150.117(N); 

150.132(L); 

150.147(Q); 

150.162(H); 

150.182(Q);

Allowed in Zoning 

Districts R-1 (Single 

Family); R-3 (Multiple 

Dwelling); R-4 (Low 

Density Residential); B-1 

(Central Business); B-2 

(General Business); I-1 

(Limited Industrial)

Conditional use 

permit; If taken 

out of service 

for more than 1 

year, the permit 

is null and void 

and the unit 

removed

If replaced, needs to 

meet city and/or 

state requirements 

in place at the time

UL or certified per 

state building code; 

follow mfg specs; 

Enclosure 

specfications

Minimum lot size: 5 

acres, if divided in 

the future, furnace 

shall be removed; 

Setback: 50 feet 

from property line 

when abutting 

residential property, 

otherwise meet 

mimimum setbacks 

for other zoning 

districts

X

Site plan is provided 

showing location in relation 

to existing structures and 

property lines as well as 

proposed screening or 

enclosures

New Prague Ordinance Section 731 Outdoor Woodfired boiler

Includes uses such as 

heating residential or 

commercial spaces, 

domestic hot water, 

swimming pools, etc

No person shall install or 

allow the installation of 

an outdoor wood-fired 

boiler within the city

X

New Ulm Ordinance 08-064 

(enactment of Section 8.33)

Ordinance 

Number 08-072 

(amending 

Section 8.33 of 

the City Code)

10/2008

Hydronic 

heaters, 

Natural wood, 

Existing 

outdoor 

furnace

Excludes grilling, 

cooking appliances; 

excludes heat 

generating units inside 

the building used for 

human or animal 

habitation; excludes 

recreational fires; etc.

Existing: does not 

violate public 

nuisance

Mechanical 

permit required 

for new units

Existing units need 

to meet 

requirements for 

new furnaces after 

90 days of effective 

date; but may 

receive a conditional 

mechanical permit 

if: in good repair and 

installed according 

to mfg, and other 

requirements listed 

here.

Constructed, 

established, 

installed, operated, 

and maintained 

according to mfg 

and mechanical 

permit; Visibly 

display mfg 

certification that it 

meets EPA Phase 2 

level requirements.

EPA Phase 2 and 

emit no more 

than 0.32 pounds 

of particulate 

matter/ million 

BtU

Existing: if 

located between 

100 feet to 300 

feet of another 

residence, stack 

needs to be 2 

feet highter in 

elevation than 

the highest peak 

of the residence

 At least 100 feet 

from residence not 

serviced by unit

Clean dry natural wood, 

wood pellets, corn 

products, biomass 

pellets, or other fuels 

specifically permitted by 

mfg, such as fuel oil, 

natural gas, or prpane

X X

Existing units operated 

according to EPA's best 

burn practices
Minnesota Local Ordinances Related to Residential Wood Burning Boilers

(05/15/2013)

aq1-60a 10

City with link to ordinance Ordinance 

Number Year Definitions Purpose/ Declaration

Applicability/ 

Exclusions Prohibitions Nuisance Reference

Permits 

required

Limit time 

when allowed

Additional 

requirements for 

Existing Units

Installation 

Specifications

Emission 

Limits/standards

Stack/Chimney 

Height

Chimney/ 

Stack 

Construction 

Properties

Setback/Property 

Restrictions

Fuels Allowed/ 

Fuels Not Allowed

Fuel Storage 

Requirements

Manageme

nt of Ashes

Enforcemen

t and/or 

penalties

Liability Misc

North Saint Paul Ordinance Division 157 11/2010

Outdoor Wood 

Boilers, and 

other various 

alternative 

energy systems

X

Outdoor wood boilers are 

not permitted unless they 

meet all local, state, and 

national pollution and 

environmental protection 

standards

Oak Park Heights 

Ordinance Section 1125

Outdoor Wood 

Burning 

Furnace, EPA 

Phase II 

Qualified, Clean 

Wood, and 

Refuse

Not operated or 

maintained in 

matter which 

creates a nuisance

Administrative 

permit 

required; 

Reviewed 

annually; City 

may revoke 

permit after 

hearing if 

nuisance or 

hazard

Installation and 

maintenance 

according to local, 

state, and federal 

regulations, and 

mfg specs; Fully 

screened from 

neighbor properties 

and right-of-ways

New units: EPA 

Phase II qualified

Stack extends at 

least 2 feet from 

the highest peak 

of the residence 

it serves or 

other residences 

not served 

within 300 feet, 

whichever is 

greater

 At least 100 feet 

from property line 

and 300 feet from 

nearest occupied 

building not served 

by the furnace

Clean Wood X X

Permit application criteria: 

notification of immediately 

abutting property owners 

(including across the street) 

and an assessment of 

possible negative impacts 

on these properties, 

adequacy of the site to 

accommodate the 

proposed furnace, public 

health, safety and general 

welfare concerns posed by 

the proposed furnace, 

permit application includes 

documentation on the type 

of furnace proposed and 

site plan showing the 

location in relation to 

property lines and existing 

structures.

Perham Ordinance Title IX, 92.03 2001 X

Use of external heating 

systems located in a 

shelter or building other 

than the residence or 

standing on its own, is 

prohibited within the city.

Princeton Ordinance

Title 6, Chapter 

640 Open 

Burning, 

640.12(B)(3)

2009

External solid 

fuel-fired 

device, Stacks 

or chimneys

Includes solid fuel 

fired cooking stoves, 

combination fuel 

furnaces or boilers, 

and outdoor wood 

burning stoves or 

units, but excludes 

wood stoves.

Installation 

allowed after 

receiving 

Interim Use 

permit per 

zoning 

ordinance

Existing units 

allowed but cannot 

be extended, 

enlarged, or 

expanded. After 

useful life or if 

repairs are needed, 

the device cannot be 

replaced and must 

be removed.

X

Savage Ordinances

Title 15, Land 

Use, 152.085 

and Title 9 

General 

Regulations, 

Nuisance, 

95.02H

5/2009 Outdoor Wood 

Furnace X Prohibited within any zoning district
Minnesota Local Ordinances Related to Residential Wood Burning Boilers

(05/15/2013)

aq1-60a 11

City with link to ordinance Ordinance 

Number Year Definitions Purpose/ Declaration

Applicability/ 

Exclusions Prohibitions Nuisance Reference

Permits 

required

Limit time 

when allowed

Additional 

requirements for 

Existing Units

Installation 

Specifications

Emission 

Limits/standards

Stack/Chimney 

Height

Chimney/ 

Stack 

Construction 

Properties

Setback/Property 

Restrictions

Fuels Allowed/ 

Fuels Not Allowed

Fuel Storage 

Requirements

Manageme

nt of Ashes

Enforcemen

t and/or 

penalties

Liability Misc

Ramsey Ordinance Sec 117-361 and 

Sec 117-362

Subject to 

nuisance: Any 

dense smoke, 

noxious fumes, gas 

and soot, or 

cinders, in 

unreasonable 

quantities is a 

public nuisance

Mechanical 

Permit 

Required to 

Install

Listed and labeled 

by a nationally 

recognized testing 

laboratory and 

installed according 

to mfg 

recommendations

Required to meet 

emission 

standards 

currently 

required (or 

amended) by EPA 

and UL

At least 75 feet from 

any property line 

and not in the front 

yard

 NOT Allowed: grass, 

leaves, oils, rubber, 

plastics, tires, railroad 

ties, construction debris, 

and painted or 

chemically treated 

materials such as treated 

lumber, composite 

shingles, tar paper, 

insulation composition 

board, sheetrock, wiring, 

paint, and hazardous and 

industrial solid waste

X

May require owners to 

perform investigations and 

tests to ensure compliance 

with standards

Royalton Ordinance No. 49 2008 Accessory 

Boiler

Mechanical 

permit required

Pre-existing, nonconforming wood 

burning accessory 

boilers cannot be 

extended, enlarged, 

expanded, or 

replaced

In accordance with 

building codes

Allowable fuel: corn or 

fuel documented to 

meet EPA limit of 3.75 

grams per hour or less. 

NOT Allowed: 

household garbage or 

cardboard; plastics, 

colored ink on 

magazines, boxes and 

wrappers, coated, 

painted or pressure 

treated wood, 

driftwood, plywood, 

particle board, or any 

wood product containing 

glue, wet, rotted, 

diseased or moldy wood

X
Minnesota Local Ordinances Related to Residential Wood Burning Boilers

(05/15/2013)

aq1-60a 12

City with link to ordinance Ordinance 

Number Year Definitions Purpose/ Declaration

Applicability/ 

Exclusions Prohibitions Nuisance Reference

Permits 

required

Limit time 

when allowed

Additional 

requirements for 

Existing Units

Installation 

Specifications

Emission 

Limits/standards

Stack/Chimney 

Height

Chimney/ 

Stack 

Construction 

Properties

Setback/Property 

Restrictions

Fuels Allowed/ 

Fuels Not Allowed

Fuel Storage 

Requirements

Manageme

nt of Ashes

Enforcemen

t and/or 

penalties

Liability Misc

Sabin Ordinance Title 3, Chapter 

4 9/2008

External solid 

fuel-fired 

heating device, 

Refuse or 

garbage, and 

Stacks or 

chimneys

X

Does not apply to 

grilling or cooking 

food using charcoal, 

wood, propane, or nat 

gas in cooking or 

grilling appliances;

burning for the 

purpose of gen. heat 

in a stove, furnace or 

fireplace or other 

heating device within 

a building used for 

human or animal 

habitation; the use of 

propane, acetylene, 

nat gas, gas, or 

kerosene in a device 

for heating, construct. 

or maint.; or campfires 

intended for 

recreation or cooking.

Subject to 

nuisance: Any 

dense smoke, 

noxious fumes, gas 

and soot, or 

cinders, in 

unreasonable 

quantities, or 

burning fuels for 

which the device 

was not designed 

is a public 

nuisance

Permit required 

for units sold, 

purchased or 

installed after 

effective date

Not allowed 

from May 

through 

October

Installation made 

and inspected by 

reputable 

contractor who is 

knowledgeable 

All devices 

required to meet 

emission 

standards 

currently 

required by EPA 

and UL

Minimum of 20 

feet (max of 40 

feet) above 

ground level; 

also extending 2 

feet higher than 

residential roofs 

within 100 feet

X

Setbacks: Not 

within 50 feet from 

any combustible or 

structures 

(clearance reduced 

to 20 feet provided 

the unit is enclosed 

in a noncombustible 

building (steel or 

concrete). Located 

at least 25 feet from 

property line.

Only fuels designed for 

burining in the device; 

no garbage or refuse

X X X X

Check with insurance 

carrier and inform city 

clerk's office of policy 

requirements

St. Charles Ordinance

Title IX, Chapter 

90, Open 

Burning Section 

90.71

Moratorium on granting 

permits

Planning and Zoning 

Commission will conduct a 

study and report back to 

the Council, considering 

issues of air quality, 

property values, fire and 

children safety and other 

factors which may affect 

health, safety, and welfare 

of residents
Minnesota Local Ordinances Related to Residential Wood Burning Boilers

(05/15/2013)

aq1-60a 13

City with link to ordinance Ordinance 

Number Year Definitions Purpose/ Declaration

Applicability/ 

Exclusions Prohibitions Nuisance Reference

Permits 

required

Limit time 

when allowed

Additional 

requirements for 

Existing Units

Installation 

Specifications

Emission 

Limits/standards

Stack/Chimney 

Height

Chimney/ 

Stack 

Construction 

Properties

Setback/Property 

Restrictions

Fuels Allowed/ 

Fuels Not Allowed

Fuel Storage 

Requirements

Manageme

nt of Ashes

Enforcemen

t and/or 

penalties

Liability Misc

St. Michael Ordinance Sections 91.70 – 

91.73 1/2007

External solid 

fuel-fired 

heating device, 

Stacks or 

chimneys

New units only allowed in 

A-1 and A-2 Zoning 

District

Subject to 

nuisance: Any 

dense smoke, 

noxious fumes, gas 

and soot, or 

cinders, in 

unreasonable 

quantities, or 

burning fuels for 

which the device 

was not designed 

is a public 

nuisance

Mechanical 

permits 

required to 

install

Listed and labeled 

by a nationally 

recognized testing 

laboratory and 

installed according 

to mfg 

recommendations

Meets emission 

standards 

required by EPA 

and UL listing

X

At least 75 feet from 

property line and 

located in the rear 

yard (or side yard 

for corner lot)

Fuels not allowed: 

garbage, grasses, leaves, 

oils, rubber, plastics, 

tires, railroad ties, 

construction debris, and 

painted or chemically 

treated materials such as 

treated lumber, 

composite shingles, tar 

paper, insulation 

composition board, 

sheetrock, wiring, paint 

and hazardous and 

industrial solid waste

X

Sauk Rapids Ordinance Section 8.08

Outdoor solid 

fuel heating 

device, Stacks 

or chimneys

New devices prohibited

Use allowed 

from 

September 1 to 

May 31st

Existing units: 

required to meet 

emission 

standards 

required by EPA 

(including future 

amendments or 

modifications)

Existing units: 

meet or exceed 

mfg guidelines. 

Non-complying 

stacks shall be 

removed, 

replaced, or 

modified within 

60 days of notice

X

Allowable fuels: 

biomass pellets, corn, 

firewood, and clean 

untreated lumber or 

other wood products. 

Prohibited use as a 

waste incinerator.

Shorewood Ordinance Title 1000, 

Chapter 1005 2007 Outdoor Woodburning furnace X

Building permit 

required before 

construction, 

installation, or 

use

Prohibited 

from May 16 to 

October 14

Existing units cannot 

be enlarged or 

extended. Required 

to meet installation 

requirements, 

emission standards, 

and months of 

operation.

Have UL approval, 

installed according 

to mfg instructions

Comply with EPA 

and MPCA 

emission 

standards

At least 20 feet 

above ground 

and 2 feet above 

the ridgeline of 

any dwelling 

within 500 feet 

(nothing higher 

than 40 feet)

X

Minimum lot size: 3 

acres or more 

Minimum set back: 

located at least 200 

feet from property 

line

X Survey required for permit
Minnesota Local Ordinances Related to Residential Wood Burning Boilers

(05/15/2013)

aq1-60a 14

City with link to ordinance Ordinance 

Number Year Definitions Purpose/ Declaration

Applicability/ 

Exclusions Prohibitions Nuisance Reference

Permits 

required

Limit time 

when allowed

Additional 

requirements for 

Existing Units

Installation 

Specifications

Emission 

Limits/standards

Stack/Chimney 

Height

Chimney/ 

Stack 

Construction 

Properties

Setback/Property 

Restrictions

Fuels Allowed/ 

Fuels Not Allowed

Fuel Storage 

Requirements

Manageme

nt of Ashes

Enforcemen

t and/or 

penalties

Liability Misc

Stillwater Ordinance 

(website unknown)

Ordinance 1016 

(Chapter 38-1, 

Subd. 2 (2)(nn))

3/2010 Outdoor wood 

boiler X

Excludes natural gasfired fireplace logs, 

wood-burning 

fireplaces or 

woodstoves in the 

interior of a dwelling; 

also excludes BBQ 

grills or outdoor open 

air recreational fires

Prohibited as a nuisance X X

Two Harbors Ordinance 

(website unknown) 313 8/1989

Solid fuel-fired 

heating device, 

Stacks or 

Chimneys

Subject to 

nuisance: Any 

dense smoke, 

noxious fumes, gas 

and soot, or 

cinders, in 

unreasonable 

quantities may be 

declared a public 

nuisance

Permits may be 

required for 

devices sold or 

purchased after 

effective date

Existing stacks or 

irregularly installed 

stacks shall be 

removed or replaced 

within 6 months of 

notice

Required to meet 

emission 

standards 

required by EPA 

and UL

Minimum stack 

height of 23 feet 

from ground 

level. For 

dwellings with 

less than 25 feet 

of open space 

between units 

shall have a 

minimum stack 

height 3 feet 

above the 

highest roof 

elevation on 

adjoining 

properties.

X

Winona Ordinance

Chapter 43, 

Article IV, 

43.33.1(note 

about 

navigating 

website: 

Winona Public 

Folder, City 

Code, Chapter 

43, pages 40-41)

Detached 

heating system

includes outdoor 

wood-burning 

furnaces, woodburning boilers and 

other detached 

systems

Mechanical 

permit for the 

installation/ 

operation of a 

new "listed" 

detached 

heating system. 

Allowed only 

from 

November 1 to 

March 31

Existing systems 

immediately 

required to comply 

with all mfg 

requirements and 

appropriate fuel 

requirements. 

Required to obtain a 

permit within 60 

days of effective 

date. Systems that 

do not comply, 

required to be 

removed within 60 

days. Legal nonconforming 

detached systems 

shall not be replaced 

once it is no longer 

operational. 

According to mfg 

specs and these 

regulations. 

Additional 

construction specs 

in ordinance

Emission 

standards 

currently 

required by the 

EPA and the UL 

listing.

If neighboring 

structures 

within 150-200 

feet, stack 

height 2 feet 

higher than the 

peak line of 

residence. If 

250 feet away, 

minimum of 20 

foot minimum 

stack height 

X

Side and rear yard 

setbacks: Not less 

than 150 feet to lot 

line; Distance to 

buildings served by 

the appliance per 

mfg instructions

Natural untreated dry 

wood or wood 

specifically permitted by 

the mfg or other fuels 

listed by mfg. Strictly 

prohibited: processed 

wood products and 

other non-wood 

products, including 

pallet lumber; kerosenel 

garbage/trash; painted 

wood and/or any 

"treated" wood; any 

other item not 

specifically allowed by 

mfg.

X X Provide documentation at 

the time of the permit
Minnesota Local Ordinances Related to Residential Wood Burning Boilers

(05/15/2013)

aq1-60a 15

City with link to ordinance Ordinance 

Number Year Definitions Purpose/ Declaration

Applicability/ 

Exclusions Prohibitions Nuisance Reference

Permits 

required

Limit time 

when allowed

Additional 

requirements for 

Existing Units

Installation 

Specifications

Emission 

Limits/standards

Stack/Chimney 

Height

Chimney/ 

Stack 

Construction 

Properties

Setback/Property 

Restrictions

Fuels Allowed/ 

Fuels Not Allowed

Fuel Storage 

Requirements

Manageme

nt of Ashes

Enforcemen

t and/or 

penalties

Liability Misc

Wells Ordinance

Section 94, Fire 

prevention and 

Protection

12/2008

External solid 

fuel-fired 

heating device, 

clean fuel 

solids, public 

nuisance

X

Excludes grilling, 

cooking appliances; 

excludes heat 

generating units inside 

the building used for 

human or animal 

habitation; excludes 

recreational fires; etc.

Subject to Building permit 

required

Minimum of 25 

feet above 

ground level

X

Allowable fuels for 

burning and storage: 

clean fuel solids (natural 

dry wood, corn or pellets 

which have not been 

painted, varnished, 

stained, or coated with 

similar material, have 

not been treated with 

preservatives and does 

not contain any resins or 

glues as in plywood, 

particle board, or other 

wood composites

X