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Town of Wilkesboro
Welcome to the town of Wilkesboro, where the mountains begin!
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      • - - Online Reservation Form
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      • - - Report Water/Sewer Problem
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      • - - Step 1) Zoning/Planning
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      • - - Online Reservation Form
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      • Town Forms
    • For Visitors
      • Wilkesboro Tourism Development Authority
      • Attraction Maps
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      • Historic Wilkesboro Tour
      • Stone Mountain State Park
      • Talking Trees Trail at Rendezvous Mtn.
      • Whippoorwill Academy & Village
      • Wilkesboro Music & Festivals
      • - - 2022 Concerts in the Commons
      • - - 2022 Movies on Main
      • - - Brushy Mtn. Peach & Heritage Festival
      • - - Carolina in the Fall
      • - - FaithFest
      • - - Merlefest
      • - - Prohibition Hot Rod & Moonshine Festival
      • Wilkesboro Parks & Recreation
      • - - Cub Creek Park Pickleball Courts
      • - - Mountain Bike Trails
      • - - Community Commons & Pavilion Stage
      • - - Heritage Square Splash Pad
      • - - Rolling Pines Disc Golf Course
      • - - Wilkesboro Campground
      • Wilkesboro Sundial
      • W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir
      • - - W. Kerr Scott Tour
      • Wilkes Co. Barn Quilt Trail
      • Wilkes Co. Birding Trails
      • Wilkes Heritage Museum
      • Wilkes Transportation Options
      • Yadkin River Greenway
  • I Want To...
    • Apply...
      • Town Job
      • Committees/Boards Application
      • Police Permits
      Contact...
      • Employee or Dept.
      • Help by Topic
      • Federal or State Government
      Get...
      • Account Balance
      • ACH Authorization Form
      • Attraction Maps
      • Building Inspection
      • Directions to Wilkesboro
      • Directions to Police Department
      • Fire Inspection
      • Holiday Schedule
      • Recycling Information
      • Town Forms
      • Utilities Turned On
      • Utilities Turned Off
      • Water Quality Report - middle of page
      Lookup...
      • Account Balance
      • Meeting Agendas & Minutes
      • Schedule of Fees - FY 22-23
      • Transportation Options
      • Wilkesboro's Mapping / GIS
      • Wilkesboro's Ordinances
      Pay...
      • Civic Center Rental
      • Invoice
      • Parking Ticket
      • Police Report
      • Town Taxes
      • Utility Bill
      Pickup...
      • Civic Center Key
      Report...
      • Report Missing Street Sign
      • Report Nuisance Animal
      • Report Pothole/Sidewalk Issue
      • Report Rollout Cart Problem
      • Report Street/Traffic Light Outage
      • Report Water/Sewer Problem
      • Report Other Issues/Problems
      Request...
      • Request Appointment
      • Request Civic Center Reservation
      • Request Fire Education Event
      • Request Utility Bill thru Email
      Schedule...
      • Bulky Item Collection
      • Electronics Recycling
      • Recycling Collection
      • Trash Collection
      • Yard Waste Collection
      • Schedule-Service Online
  • Town Government
    • Government
      • Local Government in NC
      • How NC Municipalities Work
      • Town's Form of Government
      • What is Powell Bill?
      • Town's Budgets & Audits
      • Town's Schedule of Fees - FY 22-23
      • Town's Financial Dashboard
      • Town's Holiday Schedule
      • Town's Ordinances
      • Town's Organizational Chart
      • Title VI Civic Rights Act
      • 2019 ADA Transition Plan
      • 2020 ADA Transition Plan
      • 2021 ADA Transition Plan
      Wilkesboro's History
      • Population
      • Wilkesboro's History Overview
      • Tory Oak History
      • Wilkesboro's Cemetery Records
      • Wilkes Co. Genealogy
      • Wilkes Genealogical Society, Inc.
      • Wilkes Heritage Museum
      • History Links
      • Fire Chief History
      • Retired Firemen History
      • Police Chief History
      • Town Council & Clerk History
      Town Council
      • Meet Your Governing Board
      • Responsibilities
      • Code of Ethics
      • FAQ
      • Meeting Schedule
      • Agenda & Minutes
      Historic Pres. Commission
      • Board Responsibilities
      • Board Members
      • Meeting Schedule
      • Agenda & Minutes
      • Historic Downtown Grants
      Landscape Planning & Review Board
      • Board Responsibilities
      • Board Members
      • Meeting Schedule
      • Agenda & Minutes
      Parks & Recreation Board
      • Board Responsibilities
      • Board Members
      Planning Board
      • Board Responsibilities
      • Board Members
      • Meeting Schedule
      • Agenda & Minutes
      Tourism Dev Authority Board
      • Board Responsibilities
      • Board Members
      • Meeting Schedule
      Zoning Board of Adjustments
      • Board Responsibilities
      • Board Members
      • Meeting Schedule
      • Agenda & Minutes
  • Departments
    • Administration
      • Dept. Overview
      Finance
      • Dept. Overview
      • Financial Dashboard
      • Accounts Payable
      • Cemetery Collections
      • Civic Center Rental
      • Beer/Wine License
      • Purchasing & Contracts
      • Taxes
      • Utility Billing
      Fire
      • Dept. Overview
      • Burning Permit
      • F.A.Q.
      • Fire Education Event
      • Fire Hydrant Testing
      • Fire Inspections
      • Fire Roster
      • How to Apply to FD
      • Meeting Schedule
      Parks & Recreation
      • Dept. Overview
      • Community Commons & Pavilion Stage
      • - - Heritage Square Splash Pad
      • Cub Creek Park
      • - - Community Garden
      • - - Hidden Oaks Dog Park
      • - - Mountain Bike Trails
      • - - Creek Restoration
      • Rolling Pines Disc Golf Course
      • School Street Park
      • Westwood Park
      • Wilkesboro Campground
      Personnel & Payroll
      • Dept. Overview
      Planning & Community Development
      • Dept. Overview
      • Adopted Plans
      • Forms
      • Maps
      • Wilkesboro GIS
      • Wilkesboro's Ordinances
      Police
      • Dept. Overview
      • Annual Reports
      • Citizen Police Academy
      • Comment/Complaint Section
      • Crime Data & Statistics
      • Directions to Police Station
      • Parking Tickets
      • Police Permits
      • Police Recruitment
      • Police Reports
      • Police Roster
      Public Works
      • Dept. Overview
      • Powell Bill
      • Public Buildings, Grounds & Streets
      • Water & Sewer Construction
      Sanitation
      • Dept. Overview
      • Bulky Item Collection
      • Curbside Trash
        • Trash/Recycle Listing by Streets
      • Trash/Recycle Listing by Streets
      • Curbside Recycling
        • Curbside Recycling Schedule
      • Electronics Recycling-By Appt Only
      • Non-curbside Recyclable Items
      • Recycling Centers
      • Curbside Yard Waste Collection
      • Seasonal Curbside Leaf Collection
      Utilities
      • Cross Connection Control / Backflow
      • NC Water & Wastewater Rates Dashboard
      • Wastewater / Sewer Plant
      • Water Filtration Plant
  • For Residents
    • Civic Center Rental Information
    • - - Online Reservation Form
    • Cemetery Plots & Information
    • Wilkesboro Utilities
    • - - Report Water/Sewer Problem
    • Other Utility Providers
    • Schedule of Fees FY 22-23
    • Wilkesboro Sanitation
    • - - Recycle/Trash Days by Street
    • - - Recycle Schedule
    • - - Request Rollout Cart Repair
    • - - Schedule Bulky Item Collection
    • - - Schedule Electronics Recycling
    • - - Schedule Yard Waste Collection
    • Report a Problem Form
    • - - Report Missing Street Sign
    • - - Report Pothole / Sidewalk Problem
    • - - Report Street Light Outage
    • Serve on a Committee or Board
    • Transportation
  • For Business
    • Wilkes Co. Economic Development
    • - - Wilkesboro Economic Incentives Guideline
    • - - NC OSBM 2022 Comparisons Listings
    • - - Wilkesboro Livability Magazine
    • - - "We are Wilkes" Annual Guide
    • - - "We are Wilkes" Quarterly
    • - - Transportation
    • How to Launch a Business in NC
    • How to Start a Business in Wilkesboro
    • - - Step 1) Zoning/Planning
    • - - Step 2) Sign Permit
    • - - Step 3) Request Fire Inspections
    • - - Step 4) Water/Sewer Service
    • - - Step 5) Beer/Wine Application
    • - - All Building Inspections - inside Town and County
    • - - All Food Inspections
    • Meeting Space Rental Information
    • - - Online Reservation Form
    • Other Utility Providers for Business
    • Outside Trash Providers for Business
    • Schedule of Fees FY 22-23
    • Town Forms
  • For Visitors
    • Wilkesboro Tourism Development Authority
    • Attraction Maps
    • Ben Long Frescoes
    • Historic Wilkesboro Tour
    • Stone Mountain State Park
    • Talking Trees Trail at Rendezvous Mtn.
    • Whippoorwill Academy & Village
    • Wilkesboro Music & Festivals
    • - - 2022 Concerts in the Commons
    • - - 2022 Movies on Main
    • - - Brushy Mtn. Peach & Heritage Festival
    • - - Carolina in the Fall
    • - - FaithFest
    • - - Merlefest
    • - - Prohibition Hot Rod & Moonshine Festival
    • Wilkesboro Parks & Recreation
    • - - Cub Creek Park Pickleball Courts
    • - - Mountain Bike Trails
    • - - Community Commons & Pavilion Stage
    • - - Heritage Square Splash Pad
    • - - Rolling Pines Disc Golf Course
    • - - Wilkesboro Campground
    • Wilkesboro Sundial
    • W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir
    • - - W. Kerr Scott Tour
    • Wilkes Co. Barn Quilt Trail
    • Wilkes Co. Birding Trails
    • Wilkes Heritage Museum
    • Wilkes Transportation Options
    • Yadkin River Greenway

Tony HayesFire Marshal
Retention &
 Recruitment 
ADA Title II Coordinator

Tony Hayes
email

OFFICE LOCATION: 
400 South Cherry St., 
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Tel:  (336) 838-3951 Ext. 1015 
Fire Dept. Tel: (336) 667-6228 
Leave a message if no one answers.They may be on a fire or medic call. 
FD Fax: (336) 903-1820 

 

Fire Chief Jason Smithey 
email 

   

  
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BURNING PERMITS

Wilkesboro Fire Ordinance

The purpose of the fire ordinance is to provide education and guidelines to Wilkesboro town citizens regarding the various types of fires, both permitted and restricted within the city limits for the Town of Wilkesboro. Penalties could be enforced for non-permitted or noncompliant fires; information regarding penalties is also referenced.

Open Burning

Open burning in the Town of Wilkesboro is regulated by the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code and the Town of Wilkesboro Code of Ordinances and is prohibited unless an open burning operational permit is issued by the Fire Marshal of the Town of Wilkesboro.

• The North Carolina Fire Prevention Code defines open burning as the burning of materials wherein products of combustion are emitted directly into the ambient air without passing through a stack or chimney from an enclosed chamber.

• When necessary and as deemed appropriate by the Fire Marshal of the Town of Wilkesboro, the Wilkesboro Fire Department will start, maintain and extinguish a permitted open burn by trained and certified fire department staff.

Land Clearing

• Outdoor burning for land clearing activities due to site development in the Town of Wilkesboro jurisdiction is regulated by the Town of Wilkesboro Fire Marshal and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality web link (DEQ).

• Outdoor burning for the purpose of land clearing IS considered open burning and does require an open burning operational permit.

• Open burning for land clearing requires 1,000-feet separation to any dwelling or structure not on the property. (NC GS 106 – 940) 

Outdoor Fires

Recreational fires, portable outdoor fireplaces/fire pits, stationary outdoor fireplaces, and stationary outdoor fire pits are regulated by the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code and DO NOT require an open-burning operational permit. Fire safety is still the responsibility of the individual setting a fire regardless to whether a permit is required or not. (NCFC 307)

Recreational Fires

Recreational fires are defined by the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code as fires 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes. Recreational fires are NOT considered open burning and do not require an open burning operational permit. (NCFC 307.4.2)

• Recreational fires shall be at least 25 feet from a structure or combustible material.

• Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.

• Shall not be used to burn rubbish, yard waste, or burn material contained in an incinerator. If found or reported would be a punishable violation of this town ordinance.

• Outdoor fireplaces, barbecue grills, barbecue pits, or bonfires are not considered recreational fires

Portable Outdoor Fireplaces/Fire Pits

• Portable outdoor fireplaces/fire pits are defined by the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code as a portable, outdoor, solid-fuel-burning fireplace that may be constructed of steel, concrete, clay or other noncombustible material. A portable outdoor fireplace may be open in design or may be equipped with a small hearth opening and a short chimney or chimney opening in the top.

• Portable outdoor fireplaces are NOT considered open burning and do not require an open burning operational permit.

• Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Portable outdoor fireplaces shall not be operated within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material.

• Shall not be used to burn rubbish or yard waste. (NCFC 307.4.3)

Stationary Outdoor Fireplaces

Stationary outdoor fireplaces are site constructed, permanent in nature, solid-fuel-burning, and may be constructed of stone, brick, concrete, clay, or other noncombustible material. A stationary outdoor fireplace will normally have a hearth, firebox, and chimney or stack. Stationary outdoor fireplaces are NOT considered open burning and do not require an open burning operational permit.

• Stationary outdoor fireplaces must be at least 5 feet from property lines and require a building permit for construction if it is located less than 10 feet from any building or roofed structure or if the length or width of the fireplace is greater than 12 feet.

• If the fireplace is within 10 feet of any building or roofed structure, the chimney of the fireplace must extend at least 2 feet above the building or roofed structure.

• Shall not be used to burn rubbish or yard waste.

Stationary Outdoor Fire Pits

Stationary outdoor fire pits are site constructed, permanent in nature, solid-fuel-burning and may be constructed of stone, brick, concrete, metal, or other noncombustible material. The stationary outdoor fire pit may be dug in the ground or above ground and is designed to contain a fire and prevent it from spreading.

• Stationary outdoor fire pits are NOT considered open burning and do not require an open burning operational permit.

• Stationary outdoor fire pits must be at least 5 feet from property lines.

• At least 15 feet from structures to include decks.

• Shall not be used to burn rubbish or yard waste. (NCFC 307.1)

Bonfires

Bonfires are defined by the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code as an outdoor fire utilized for ceremonial purposes. These are typically large fires in conjunction with a planned event such as a school prep rally or holiday event.

• Bonfires ARE considered open burning and do require an open burning operational permit.

• A bonfire shall not be conducted within 50 feet of a structure or combustible material and conditions, which could cause the fire to spread within 50 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.

• Shall not be used to burn rubbish or yard waste. (NCFC 307.4.1)

Penalties Enforcement

1. Civil Penalties

a. Violations of any of the provisions of this section will result in the following civil penalties:

1. First offense in any 12 month period: $100

2. Subsequent offense in any 12 months. $500

b. The manager’s designee may issue a notice of violation assessing civil penalties. The notice shall be issued in writing and shall set forth with reasonable specificity the basis for the civil penalty. The notice of violation shall be served by registered or certified mail, or by personal service.

c. If the person fails to pay any civil penalty within 30 days, the town may recover the penalty, together with all costs allowed by law, by filing a civil action in the General Court of Justice in the nature of a suit to collect the debt.

2.  Appeals

a. A party aggrieved may appeal any decision under this section to the Town Manager within 15 calendar days after the penalty notification. An appeal must be made in writing and shall contain the reasons supporting the appeal and any evidence that supports it. The person appealing may review the evidence that is the basis of the penalty or violation during the town’s normal business hours. The Town Manager or his designee shall review the information provided and shall issue a written decision regarding the penalty.

b. After receiving a determination from the Town Manager or his designee, a party aggrieved may appeal to the Town Council within 21 calendar days after the Town Manager’s decision (or the decision of the designee) was mailed. The scope of the Town Councils review shall be limited to verifying facts supporting a written decision or findings of fact made regarding the penalty. If the Town Council finds that the facts as found are correct, the civil penalty and administrative fee(s) shall not be disturbed.

    

  

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P.O. Box 1056 • 203 West Main Street • Wilkesboro, NC 28697 •  336-838-3951 3 3 6 8 3 8 3 9 5 1

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