(A) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
CHIMNEY. Any flue that carries off exhaust from an outdoor furnace’s firebox or burn chamber.
EXISTING OUTDOOR FURNACE. An outdoor furnace that was installed and put into use prior to the effective date of this chapter.
NATURAL WOOD. Wood that has not been painted, varnished or coated with a similar material, has not been pressure-treated with preservatives, and does not contain resins or glues as in plywood or other composite wood products.
OUTDOOR FURNACE. Any equipment, device, appliance or apparatus, or any part thereof, which is installed, affixed or situated outdoors for the primary purpose of combustion of fuel to produce heat or energy used as a component of a heating system providing heat for any interior space or water source.
(B) Applicability.
(1) This section applies to the use of all outdoor furnaces within the city.
(2) This section does not apply to the following:
(a) Grilling or cooking food using charcoal, wood, propane or natural gas in cooking or grilling appliances;
(b) Burning for the purpose of generating heat in a stove, furnace, fireplace or other heating device within a building used for human or animal habitation;
(c) The use of propane, acetylene, natural gas, gasoline or kerosene in a device intended for heating, construction or maintenance activities; or
(d) The use of recreational fires as defined and regulated in M.S. § 507.02, Subd. 4, as it may be amended from time to time.
(C) Conditional use permit required for new outdoor furnaces.
(1) No outdoor furnace may be newly installed or used without a conditional use permit issued by the city.
(2) The permit shall specify that:
(a) The furnace shall meet or exceed emission standards currently recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and shall be laboratory tested and listed to appropriate safety standards such as UL, CAN/CSA, ANSI or other applicable safety standards;
(b) The furnace shall be constructed, established, installed, operated and maintained in conformance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the requirements of the conditional use permit. In the event of a conflict, the requirements of this chapter shall apply unless the manufacturer’s instructions are stricter, in which case the manufacturer’s instructions shall apply;
(c) The furnace shall have a setback of at least 25 feet from the property line. It shall be located on the property in compliance with manufacturer’s requirements for clearance to combustible materials;
(d) The furnace shall have a chimney high enough to minimize the likelihood that smoke will adversely affect building occupants or neighbors. The chimney shall extend at least two feet above the peak of the building it serves or at least two feet above the peak of any building that is within 100 feet of the furnace, whichever is greater;
(e) The outdoor furnace shall burn only clean dry natural wood, wood pellets, corn products, biomass pellets or other fuels specifically permitted by the manufacturer’s instructions, such as fuel oil, natural gas or propane backup;
(f) Corn or pelletized fuel shall at all times be stored in securely-covered locked bins or enclosures so as to prevent the attraction of rodents or other vermin; and
(g) Additional requirements may be imposed as appropriate for the location and circumstances.
(D) Existing outdoor furnaces.
(1) Existing outdoor furnaces may be used without a conditional use permit only if constructed, established, installed, operated and maintained in conformance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
(2) Existing outdoor furnaces shall burn only clean dry natural wood, wood pellets, corn products, biomass pellets or other fuels specifically permitted by the manufacturer’s instructions, such as fuel oil, natural gas or propane backup.
(3) Corn or pelletized fuel shall at all times be stored in securely covered and locked bins or enclosures so as to prevent the attraction of rodents or other vermin.
(4) Any modification or replacement of an existing outdoor furnace requires a conditional use permit as in division (C) above.
(Ord. 100, passed - -2008)