Laserfiche WebLink
Recreational Fire Report – Ord 852 <br />September 27, 2010 <br />Page 2 <br /> <br />In response to concerns raised by both Mounds View and the City of Blaine, the Fire <br />Department has updated its regulations pertaining to recreational fires. There are two <br />differences, the first being the height of the fire. Ordinance 852 limits the height of a fire to <br />no more than two feet while the Fire Department regulation allows for fires up to three feet. <br />The other difference is with the setback of freestanding manufactured fire pits. Ordinance <br />852 requires a minimum fifteen foot setback while the Fire Department regulations allow for <br />a ten foot setback, however the Fire Dept regulation requires that such devices be <br />equipped with side screens and a cover. Fire Chief Zikmund is aware of the differences. <br /> <br />The only other issue to discuss relates to effective date of compliance regarding the <br />location of such fire pits and devices. I would imagine that there are a number of existing <br />outdoor fireplaces and fire pits that are located closer to a property line than the proposed <br />15 feet. What should be done with those that would become non-conforming? Provide a <br />one-year window of time for non-structural fire pits to become compliant? Should <br />permanent outdoor fire pits and fireplaces be allowed to continue as legal nonconforming <br />uses? I have asked the City Attorney to weigh in on this subject as well, and he will <br />provide his opinion at the meeting. <br /> <br />Recommendation: <br /> <br />Staff recommends approval of the first reading and introduction of Ordinance 852, an <br />ordinance which incorporates the Fire Department’s regulations (as amended) on <br />recreational fires into the City Code, in Chapter 1002, Fire Code. If any changes are <br />needed as a result of City Attorney recommendations or Council direction, they will be <br />reflected in the second reading, which could occur on October 11, 2010, depending upon <br />the extent of any recommended or directed changes. <br /> <br /> <br />Respectfully submitted, <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />________________________ <br />James Ericson <br />Clerk – Administrator <br /> <br />Attachments: <br /> <br />1. Photographic examples of Manufactured Freestanding Fire Pits <br />2. Photographic examples of “Permanent” pits and outdoor fireplaces <br />3. Ordinance 852 <br /> <br />