(A) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
"GARBAGE." Putrescible animal and vegetable matter accumulated by a family in a residence in the course of ordinary day-to-day living.
"HOUSEHOLD RUBBISH." Waste material and trash, not to include garbage, normally accumulated by a family in a residence in the course of ordinary day-to-day living.
"OPEN BURNING." The burning of any matter in such a manner that the products of combustion resulting from the burning are emitted directly into the outdoor atmosphere without passing through a stack or chimney.
(B) No person, company, corporation, group, association, or public agency shall ignite, cause or permit to be ignited, allow or maintain any open fire within the corporate city limits, except as follows:
(1) Fires set for prevention of a fire hazard, including the disposal of dangerous materials where no safe alternative is available, provided the Fire Department is notified in advance of the burning;
(2) Fires set for the purpose of bona fide instruction and training of public and industrial employees in the methods of fighting fires, provided notice is given in each instance to the Fire Department three days in advance by the person in charge of the instruction or training. The person in charge must provide to the Fire Department the following information:
(a) The name, organization, address and telephone number of the person submitting the notice;
(b) A statement relating to the necessity for the bona fide instruction and training;
(c) The date the proposed open burning is to take place. If a postponement is necessary, the Fire Department must be notified of the rescheduled date for burning before the burning takes place;
(d) The exact location where open burning will occur;
(e) The type and quantity of material to be burned.
(3) Fires used for cooking of food. An example would be cooking of food for recreational purposes, i.e. picnics, barbecues, etc.
(4) Fires set for the purpose of weed abatement, diseases and pest prevention, provided prior approval is obtained from the Fire Department;
(5) Fires set in connection with agricultural operations related to the growing or harvesting of vegetables or fruits;
(6) Fires set for the purpose of disposing of grass, leaves, tree parts, shrub trimmings, wood, or wood byproducts;
(7) Fires set by construction and other workers for comfort heating purposes providing excessive or unusual smoke is not created;
(8) Fires set for disposal of household rubbish, not to include garbage, originating at dwellings of four family units or less, which fires are maintained by an occupant of the dwelling at the dwelling.
(C) On April 29, 2022, the city's water reserves were compromised by a levee breach and the Mayor subsequently declared a state of emergency. Due this continuing state of emergency, open burning is banned within the city limits.
(Ord. 96-2, passed 2-19-96; Am. Ord. 15-02, passed 3-16-15; Am. Ord. 22-12, passed 6-30-22) Penalty, see § 93.99