(a) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to regulate the burning of leaves, building materials and brush, as well as recreational fires, within the Village of Wolverine Lake as is necessary for the public health, safety and welfare.
(b) Burning Regulations.
(1) Unless otherwise allowed by Village Council, no person shall burn or cause to be burned outside of an enclosed building any waste materials, refuse, garbage, paper or other combustible debris or material.
(2) The open burning of a building(s), structure(s) or building demolition material, or the burning of trees, logs, brush and stumps at land clearing operations, is not allowed unless the Village Council, by resolution, grants permission to the owner(s) of a building or structure which has been ordered demolished under authority of the Building and Housing Code, or upon a showing by the owner that said building or structure is a dangerous building as defined in Chapter 1462 of the Building and Housing Code, when:
A. The Council is satisfied that such burning will not be a nuisance or hazard to property or health.
B. The approval and supervision of Chief of the Commerce Township Fire Department has been obtained.
C. Waivers of tort liability have been given to the Village by the property owners whose property, in the opinion of the Chief of the Commerce Township Fire Department, could be affected.
D. An indemnity or hold harmless agreement, has been provided to the Village by the owner.
E. The owner shall provide a bond to the Village for clean-up of debris in an amount to be determined by resolution of the Village Council.
F. The owner shall pay to the Township of Commerce Volunteer Fire Department an amount to be determined by the Township for the costs of such burning.
(3) Unless otherwise allowed by Village Council, the burning of yard waste, including leaves, grass, shrubbery, vines, branches and stumps within the Village of Wolverine Lake is prohibited.
(4) Recreational fires shall be allowed in the Village of Wolverine Lake if all of the following conditions are met. "Recreational fire," as used herein, shall be defined as an outdoor fire utilized for recreational purposes and which is not utilized for waste disposal or cooking purposes.
A. A permit shall be obtained by the Chief of the Commerce Township Fire Department or his or her agent. All permits shall be requested by and issued to the owner of the land upon which the recreational fire will be kindled.
B. A recreational fire shall not be more than three feet by three feet by three feet.
C. Fuel for a recreational fire shall consist only of seasoned dry firewood and shall be ignited with a small quantity of paper.
D. A recreational fire shall not burn longer than five hours and shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. At least one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating, two portable fire extinguishers with a minimum 2-A rating each, or other approved on-site fire extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.
E. Recreational fires must be kindled in an open area.
F. The fire, or the smoke and debris resulting therefrom shall not become a nuisance or hazard to affected residents, nor shall it cause obstruction to the flow of traffic.
G. Those conducting the fire shall comply with all directions of the Commerce Township Fire Department, Wolverine Lake Police Department and all other employees or agents of the Village regarding the fire, up to and including its immediate extinguishment.
(5) This section shall not apply to, nor is it designed to control, the establishment and use of outdoor and "backyard" grills for the purpose of food preparation for individual households, provided that such cooking is performed in or on a conventional grilling container.
(Ord. 134. Passed 8-12-98; Ord. 134-A1. Passed 9-10-03; Ord. 134 A-2. Passed 6-1-11.)