A. Notification: The City of Wellsville Fire Chief shall be notified, in writing, and a site plan submitted for approval before development or construction of any structure commences so that vegetation can be evaluated and ample clearance around structure(s) can be determined.
B. Minimum Requirements. Unless otherwise specified by the Fire Chief, minimum vegetation clearance will be as follows:
1. Groups of dwelling (cluster). Each cluster shall be located to provide a fire break of a width of one hundred feet (100') or more, depending on topography and fuels, constructed around the development. This area shall be free of all dead and downed material. Mature trees within the break shall be pruned up to a minimum of six feet above the ground so that no limbs are contiguous with ground fuels. The remaining ground vegetation shall be trimmed not to exceed six inches (6") in height.
2. Structures. Vegetation shall be cleared and maintained to a maximum of 4 in. in height within thirty feet (30') of the structure and a maximum of eighteen inches (18") from thirty (30) to fifty feet (50'). Areas beyond fifty feet (50') shall be determined by the Fire Chief.
3. Trees. Trees within fifty feet (50') of a structure shall comply with the following:
a. Canopies shall be a minimum of ten feet (10') apart.
b. Canopies shall not be permitted to extend within ten feet (10') from under eaves, decks, or balconies or chimney openings.
c. Trees within fifty feet (50') of a structure shall be pruned to a height of ten feet (10') above the ground, trees less than thirty five feet (35') in height shall have the entire lower half pruned.
d. All trees within fifty feet (50') of a structure shall be kept free of dead or dying materials.
4. Dead Vegetative Material. All dead vegetative material shall be removed and maintained clear within fifty feet (50') of any structure.
5. Propane or Fuel tanks. Ground vegetation around tanks shall be maintained no higher than four inches (4") for a minimum of a ten feet (10') radius. Trees and brush shall be trimmed maintaining a minimum of three feet (3') above the tank.
6. Fire Hydrants. Vegetation or other obstructions shall be maintained below 4 inches high. Clearance shall be provided three feet on all sides of the hydrant and extend to the roadway.
7. Disposal of Flammable Vegetation and Fuels. Disposal, including chipping, burying, or removal to an approved landfill shall be completed prior to final inspection of a building permit. Open Burning of these materials is prohibited.
C. Recreational Fires:
1. Recreational open fires shall be located a minimum of twenty five feet (25') from a structure or combustible material unless contained in an approved barbecue pit located a minimum of ten feet (10') from combustible foliage, walls, or roofs. An opening in the overhead canopy shall be provided to prevent the pyrolysis of the foliage.
2. The pile of fuel to be burned in the fire area for recreational fires shall not be larger than three feet (3') in diameter and two feet (2') high.
3. A garden hose connected to a water supply or other approved fire- extinguishing equipment shall be readily available for use at recreational fires.
4. Recreational fires are required to be constantly attended by a person knowledgeable in the use of the fire- extinguishing equipment. The attendant shall supervise the burning material until the fire has been extinguished. (Ord. 2019-04, 10-16-2019)