The following open burning shall be excepted from the regulations of this subchapter.
(A) Fires in barbecue grills or other authorized containers used solely for the preparation of food. In any structure containing three or more dwelling units, it is a petty misdemeanor for any person to kindle, maintain or cause to be kindled or maintained any fire or open flame on any balcony above ground level, or on any ground floor patio within 15 feet of said structure, or to store or use any fuel, barbecue, torch or other similar heating or lighting chemicals or devices in the locations designated above. These prohibitions do not apply to electric or gas-fired barbecue grills which are permanently mounted, wired or plumbed to the building's gas or electrical system and maintain a minimum clearance of 18 inches on all sides (unless listed for lesser clearances by the manufacturer) when approved by the Fire Chief.
(B) Fires set for the instruction and training of public and industrial firefighting personnel when: weather conditions are such that resultant smoke will be carried away from the neighboring residences or other affected property owners or public roadways; the burning will not constitute a fire, health or traffic hazard; and a special permit has been issued by the Fire Chief.
(C) Fires set for the elimination of hazards which cannot be abated by any other practical means and have been issued a special permit by the Fire Chief.
(D) RECREATIONAL FIRES are defined as the burning of materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is placed in a container or at a location other than in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace or barbecue pit, and with a total fuel area of three feet or less in diameter and two feet in height. RECREATIONAL FIRES are permitted under the following conditions: buckets, shovels, or garden hoses are readily available, and a special permit is issued by the Fire Chief or duly authorized agent. It is a petty misdemeanor to allow campfires except in pits conforming to the specifics above located in designated camp grounds.
(E) Fires for the purpose of burning leaves shall be permitted on private property under the following conditions:
(1) The burning of leaves will only be permitted from May 1 through May 31, and from October 15 through December 1;
(2) A responsible person shall be in constant attendance until the fire allowed in division (E)(1) above is completely extinguished;
(3) Burning will only be allowed between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. All fires are to be extinguished by 8:00 p.m.;
(4) Fires shall not be less than 25 feet from any structure, wood fence, hedge, or bush, and no less than five feet from any property line;
(5) The burning of leaves is prohibited on city streets, boulevards, lake shores, or any public property by private citizens;
(6) No open burning of leaves shall take place during an air pollution alert warning, or emergency, declared by the State Environmental Protection Agency; and
(7) The City Manager may temporarily discontinue burning between October 15 and December 1 due to unsafe conditions (for example, excessive dryness, and the like).
(Ord. 020, fourth series, passed 5-21-2024)