Christmas Tree Facts

Regulations

The use and display of natural or resin-bearing Christmas trees is permitted in dwelling units of apartment buildings and in single-family dwellings. The use and display of natural or resin-bearing Christmas trees without the use of candles or electric lights is permitted in schools, churches, hotels, and businesses as long as they do not obstruct exits or fire protection equipment.

The use or display of flame-retardant artificial trees with listed electric light decorations is allowed in all occupancies as long as they do not obstruct access to exits or fire-protection equipment.

The following items are a reprint of the requirements relating to Christmas trees found in the 2003 Minnesota State Fire Code:

• 804.1.1 Christmas trees - The use and display of natural or resin-bearing Christmas trees is prohibited.

Exceptions

• The use and display of natural or resin-bearing Christmas trees or decorations inside individual dwelling units of Group R-2 and -3 occupancies are permitted.
• Natural or resin-bearing trees without open flames or electric lights are allowed in Group E occupancies used for hotels and congregate residences, and Group B and M occupancies.
• 804.1.1.1 Use of artificial Christmas trees - The use or display of flame-retardant artificial trees with listed electric light decorations is allowed in all occupancies as long as they meet the requirements of 804.1.1.2.
• 804.1.1.2 Location - Christmas trees shall not block access to required exits or obstruct, impair or block access to any fire-protection device, appliance, or equipment.