Public Hearing Scheduled on Burn Ordinance

Meeting for the second time in September to discuss illegal burning on the Island and ways to prevent it, the Ordinance Committee is considering writing a nuisance ordinance which would be enforceable. The city will hold a public hearing to review the burning ordinance with focus on burning barrels in an effort to prevent the illegal burning of garbage both inside and outside buildings.

The current burning ordinance allows outside burning of paper products only from October 15 through April 15, between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., inside a burning barrel that meets certain specifications.

Early in the month, committee members noted that smoke from burning has become a problem and that some residents are burning prohibited items, such as diapers and garbage in outside burning barrels, and even in indoor devices.

State law does not prohibit outdoor burning, only a local ordinance could do that, City Attorney Tom Evashevski told the committee during its Wednesday, September 28, meeting.

“The definition of a nuisance is if you’re unreasonably adversely affecting your neighbor’s use and enjoyment of their property,” he said.

With a nuisance ordinance in place, a complaint could be investigated by the city.

Committee members addressed the issue of indoor burning and considered requiring a permit for any indoor stove or fireplace. The permit would be issued for devices used for heat, such as wood stoves. They also discussed allowing ceremonial fires, barbecue grills, campfires, and outdoor fireplaces.

A public hearing on a burning ordinance will be Wednesday, October 26, at 4 p.m.

The next ordinance committee meeting has yet to be scheduled.