The Preston City Council hereby find that:
(A) It is recognized and found that wood smoke is hazardous to an individual's health and may affect the health of the general public when they are involuntarily exposed to the presence of wood smoke.
(B) Reliable scientific studies, including studies conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have shown that breathing wood smoke is a significant health hazard particularly to children, elderly people, individuals with cardiovascular disease, and individuals with impaired respiratory functions, including asthmatics and those with obstructive airway disease.
(C) It is recognized that "outdoor wood burning furnaces" are designed and intended to be a primary heat source and therefore burn, and emit smoke, on a continual basis. A distinction is drawn between "Outdoor wood burning furnaces" and indoor wood stoves and fireplaces that, by nature, provide supplemental heat and are generally used on a less-frequent basis.
(D) This subchapter is adopted for the purpose of protecting the public health, safety, comfort, and the general welfare of the people of the City of Preston; educating citizens affected by this subchapter; and assisting property owners and managers in maintaining compliance.
(Ord. 248, passed 12-6-2005)