09-08-1997 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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s MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 25,1997 (#17 - City Policy Regarding Burning Permits - Continued) Kelley said he feds allowing burning would be very dangerous and should be at least 50* from any building. Jabbour indicated there are difierences in the sizes of properties. Goetten indicated that an inspector used to come to the properties and in^>ect the areas. Kelley questioned whether inspections diould still occur with a burning permit. Goetten said inspections should occur. Kdl^ asked if the building inspector has standards Moorse said they are laid out in the application form. Kelley said he feels the conditions on the application form are not strict enough. He noted that Orono has become refmested and is concerned with trees being burned down and brush fires occurring. It was noted that an 8*x4' area is presently permitted for bumii^. He noted it is not stipulated how big a circumference around the pile should be free of debris. He questioned how the building jiqiector is to make that determination. Peterson also questioned who would police the fires. Kelley indicated there will be many more fires if permits are more easily obtained He does not want to sec Staff involved in making the many determinations and would like to see more definite standards and conditions, such as wind velocity. Kelley said he is concerned with the fast spreading of fires. Goetten asked Kelley what conditions he would like to see in effect. Kelley said he is not an expert. He also indicated he is not totally against allowing burning but wants to be sure that there are adequate standards and conditions. Kelley said he would like to see the policy format redone. Jabbour saw the problem with not allowing burning and people doing it an)rways. He would like to encourage residents to ask for permission and enable the City to provide expertise on the issue to the residents. It noted that a fire could bum for several days if confined to an 8' circle. A time limit was suggested. The fire code should determine the fire Mparation without requii^ a fire wall with a SC setback for so numy feet. He feds the dze of the fire should be in direct proportion to the distance from the building. Jd)bour asked the Council if they were willing to amend the burning ordinance and allow Staff to study the issue further. Bob Gehrman suggested there were two issues to consider; the potential for loosening the rules regarding open burning; and for those who are unable to bum due to lot the need to provide for some type of disposal site or burning site.