15 Backyard Activities That Could Get You in Trouble With the Law

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You may think some backyard activities are harmless, but they can actually land you in hot water with the law. For many of us, our backyard is our private haven, a place to unwind, to celebrate, to just be creative. While seemingly innocent actions are often perfectly fine, there are local ordinances, noise restrictions, environmental laws and what’s allowed.

This doesn’t mean you must tiptoe around your own property, but it shows that you should be aware of what’s allowed. Here are some of the common backyard activities that may get you unwittingly into trouble.

Loud Parties or Music

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A good party is something that many love, but a lot of noise is going to bring complaints from your neighbors or even cops at your door. Noise ordinances in most cities set limits on how loud you can be, and for how long, especially at night. When you are rocking out to your favorite playlist, make it as reasonable as possible.

Burning Yard Waste

Burning yard waste may violate local air quality regulations, even though it may seem like an easy way to get rid of leaves or branches. In many areas, open burning is simply banned outright for fear of either wildfires or the pollution caused by the fires themselves. It is also a risky—and possibly illegal—activity; as property damage could result from a stray ember.

Building Without Permits

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Many backyard construction or DIY projects, whether you’re adding a shed, building a deck, or putting up a fence, require a permit. While you can skip this step at first, neglecting to do so can end up costing you big bucks or an order to tear it all down. Before grabbing that hammer, check with your local government to see what permits might apply to you.

Feeding Wildlife

Although attracting animals such as deer or raccoons to your yard might seem nice, it’s illegal in some states. Wildlife does not need to be fed; feeding wildlife disrupts their natural behavior, promotes human wildlife conflicts, and spreads disease. The Washington Wildlife Department says that intentional feeding often actually does more harm than good by promoting dependency.

Keeping Chickens or Other Animals on Your Land

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With backyard chickens and other livestock growing in popularity, still this isn’t allowed everywhere. Zoning laws are very strict in many municipalities and limit whether you can keep animals, how many, or what types. Before getting fined or losing your feathered friends, check your local rules.

Running a Business

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Using your backyard for a side hustle—such as hosting events, doggy daycare, or selling garden produce—may seem like a smart idea. But there are zoning laws in many residential areas that prohibit commercial activity. If you violate these, you can be fined or ordered to shut down your operation.

Using Fireworks

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Fireworks can make any celebration sparkle, but there are lots of regulations. Some states and municipalities prohibit particular kinds of fireworks or govern when and where they can be lit. Violating these laws will run you into fines or even criminal charges, and that’s not to mention potential injury or property damage.

Installing Pools or Hot Tubs

Of course, a pool or hot tub is the ultimate upgrade to your backyard, but it comes with legal requirements. Fencing, covers, and other measures are required by many areas to prevent accidents. If someone gets hurt, not complying could result in fines and liability.

Herbicides or Pesticides

While spraying your yard to keep pests or weeds at bay might feel routine, some chemicals are restricted or banned. Improper application of, or overuse of, pesticides can harm the environment and break local or state laws. And if your actions affect a neighbor’s property, you could even be subject to civil penalties.

Hosting Large Gatherings

Depending on the size and location, a big gathering such as a wedding or a reunion may require a permit. They may have parking issues, noise levels, or traffic disruptions. If you plan anything more than a casual barbecue, check with your local government.

Creating Excessive Smoke

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Excessive smoke can attract complaints whether it comes from a smoker grill, fire pit, or burning trash. Smoke emissions may be regulated by many municipalities, especially if they are impacting air quality or the enjoyment of your neighbors’ property.

Hazardous Material Disposal

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It is illegal to pour old paint, motor oil or other hazardous materials into your yard or storm drains. Such actions are also a sure way to contaminate soil and water, and they come with heavy fines. Local disposal centers are usually the safest way to get rid of hazardous waste.

Planting Invasive Species

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While you might think it is harmless to introduce non native plants to your yard, invasive species can cause chaos in local ecosystems. In some areas, regulations exist that prohibit certain plants from growing there, because they are so good at outcompeting native species and taking over.

Operating Drones

It’s fun to fly drones over your backyard, but it’s a legal minefield. Drone use is governed by federal law, such as how high you are allowed to fly and where you are allowed to operate them. It can also lead to legal complaints, as intruding on neighbors’ privacy.

Excessive Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor bright lights can disturb wild animals and your neighbors. A few municipalities have “dark sky” ordinances, limiting light pollution. If your lights are too bright or poorly angled, you could be asked to change them or even fined.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.