(A) Outdoor fireplaces, definitions and requirements. The term OUTDOOR FIREPLACES shall include permanent fire pits, portable fire pits, chimineas, and fire rings. These OUTDOOR FIREPLACES use wood as a fuel and are used for contained recreational fires for the purpose of outdoor cooking and personal enjoyment. OUTDOOR FIREPLACES for purposes of this section do not include barbeque grills that use propane or charcoal as a fuel and used primarily for outdoor cooking. PORTABLE FIRE PITS are defined as being commercially designed and intended to confine and control outdoor wood fires. CHIMINEAS are defined as an outdoor patio fireplace, usually made from clay, intended to confine and control outdoor wood fires. All OUTDOOR FIREPLACES shall meet the following requirements.
(1) Construction. The fire fuel area and openings shall be completely enclosed by steel screening or an approved non-combustible screening material with openings in screening to be not larger than one-half-inch square. Vent stacks and chimneys shall have a steel screen cover made of heavy wire mesh or other non-combustible material with openings not larger than one-half-inch square. Fire fuel areas shall be covered with a steel screen cover made of heavy wire mesh or other non-combustible material with openings not larger than one-half-inch square. Not permitted are barrels, half-barrels, drums or similarly constructed devices.
(2) Size. The fuel area for a fire pit shall not be larger than three feet in diameter and a height of more than two feet.
(3) Location. Outdoor fireplaces shall be placed on a stable non-combustible surface such as a concrete pad. All outdoor fireplaces will be placed on a firm, noncombustible surface while in use and shall maintain a 25-foot distance from the nearest structure. Outdoor fireplaces shall not be located on combustible balconies or decks or on any balcony above the first floor. Outdoor fireplaces shall not be located under any combustible balcony or any overhanging part of a structure.
(B) Types of materials being burnt. Outdoor fireplaces shall only burn commercial logs and untreated wood; natural sawn dry wood will be allowed to be burned. Petroleum products, rubbish, grass, leaves, cardboard, plastics, rubber or any material that may flow out of the containment or cause excessive heat, smoke, or offensive smell shall not be permitted.
(C) Amount of materials being burnt. The amount of material being burnt shall be limited to ensure the flames are confined inside the fuel area of the outdoor fireplace and the flames do not extend into the chimney or above the pit. The manufacturer’s recommendation on the maximum amount of fuel to be used at one time shall be followed.
(D) Supervision. Outdoor fireplaces shall be under constant supervision by at least one responsible person of age 18 or older from the ignition of the fire until the fire is completely extinguished and embers are cool and the fire will not rekindle.
(E) Provisions for protection. A garden hose connected to a water supply or other approved fire extinguishing equipment shall be readily available for use.
(F) Wind and weather conditions. Outdoor fireplaces shall not be operated when winds are blowing over ten mph and wind direction will cause smoke, embers, or other burning materials to be carried by the wind toward any building or other combustible materials. Outdoor fireplaces shall not be operated when weather conditions are extremely dry.
(G) Maintenance. The owner is responsible to ensure proper maintenance and care is accomplished in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. The outdoor fireplace will be checked regularly for the appearance of cracks and other physical deterioration or loose parts.
(H) Smoke nuisance. Smoke from any outdoor fireplace shall not create a nuisance for neighboring property owners. The fire shall be extinguished immediately upon the complaint of the neighboring property owner of any smoke nuisance. Outdoor fireplace use will be immediately discontinued if the use of the outdoor fireplace is determined to constitute a hazardous or unpleasant condition to occupants of surrounding property.
(Ord. 2020-04, passed 8-12-2020) Penalty, see § 92.99