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<br />CONCERNS / IMPACTS: <br />A growing concern over the last few years is the number of applicants that are completely <br />unaware of the safety requirements or unwillingness to follow the information provided. Staff <br />spend more time “planning burns” rather than reviewing them. Increasingly, staff will receive <br />applications for burns in dense residential areas of the city. For example, in the old village. <br />Based on the current ordinance and application, there are no restrictions (other than safety <br />violations) that will prohibit the issuance of a permit if the applicant meets the requirements. <br />Unfortunately, because of the density of the city in some areas, and the lower tolerance to smoke, <br />complaints are becoming more frequent. <br /> <br />Since 2022, we have denied 5 applications. We do not track phone call or walk-up inquiries. A <br />majority of the application denials are based on safety concerns or that the applicant is trying to <br />burn something that is prohibited. In one case, a permit was denied causing a significant back <br />and forth between the applicant, City Administrator and staff. The applicant was “so fed up with <br />our process” that he chose to conduct another burn without a permit, leading to an out-of-control <br />brush fire which burned his and others property (generating a fire response). He was fined. <br /> <br />Occasionally permits need to be revoked. Revoking a permit generally comes when the approved <br />burn becomes out of control or the smoke causes a nuisance. Revoking a permit does not <br />constitute a refund. In the past few occurrences, the applicants have become hostile and get <br />offended when we shut them down. <br /> <br />Another growing issue is the number of residents who conduct open burning without a permit <br />(with or without knowledge of a permit process). On numerous occasions we receive phone <br />complaints or even get dispatched to outside fires that are considered “controlled” but not <br />approved. In these instances, we usually extinguish the fire and try to educate the citizen about <br />our permitting process. <br /> <br />With or without the change in ordinance, we will continue to see residents burn illegally. Proper <br />education and information to residents will continue to be a service priority of the fire <br />department. <br /> <br />FISCAL IMPACT: <br />If the ordinance becomes more restrictive, there is a potential of a loss in revenue. Over the past <br />three years, we average $1,982 in burn permit revenue. <br /> <br />RECOMMENDATION: <br />Staff recommends the following options be considered for an ordinance change: <br />1. Allow open burning only by a licensed contractor, the DNR, or Washington County Parks <br />and increase the requirements for piled material (example 750 feet from combustibles). <br />Removing the open burn allowance simplifies the decision-making process. Without a <br />license to conduct this type of work, it’s prohibited. Brush and debris will need to be <br />removed to a yard waste site.