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Section 34.36

Open burning of leaves, brush, clean wood, other vegetative debris and refuse.

Adopted August 30, 2015

It shall be unlawful for any person to burn leaves, weeds, brush, stumps, trees, other vegetative debris and refuse; except that the department of public works may burn trees, brush and other debris upon first obtaining the written permission of the Fire Chief. Open burning of clean wood is lawful only in accordance with the following provisions:

(a) All allowed open burning shall be conducted in a safe nuisance free manner, when wind and weather conditions are such as to minimize adverse effects and not create a health hazard or a visibility hazard on roadways or railroads. Open burning shall be conducted in conformance with all local and state fire protection regulations.
(b) Except for barbecue, gas and charcoal grills, no open burning shall be undertaken during periods when either the Fire Chief or the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has issued a burning ban applicable to the area.
(c) No more than one (1) outdoor campfire for cooking, ceremonies or recreation is allowed per parcel in the Residential A or B zoning district, and only in accordance with the following provisions: (1) The fire must be built in the rear yard of the residence. (2) The fire must be built in a commercially manufactured fire pit or on bare ground and may not exceed a diameter of three (3) feet and height of three (3) feet. (3) Only clean wood of no greater length than 16 inches may be burned. (4) No refuse may be stored in any outdoor fire pit, whether lit or unlit.
(d) Open burning shall be constantly attended and supervised by a competent person of such age, readily available fire extinguishing means and discretion as may be necessary for the total control of said fire until the fire is extinguished and is cold.
(e) Except for barbecue, gas and charcoal grills, no burning shall be undertaken within 12 feet from any property line, combustible material, combustible wall or partition, exterior window opening, exit access or exit unless authorized by the Fire Chief.