Mayor's Code Enforcement Committee tables redlined fire-pit/open-burning ordinance for more review

The Mayor's Code Enforcement Committee voted unanimously at its July 9 meeting to table consideration of a redlined fire pit and open-burning ordinance so staff and local fire marshals can finish revisions.

The chair, who drafted the redlined ordinance to mirror state statute and incorporate fire-department guidance, said the draft was intended to bring the city's rules into line with state standards while allowing the municipality to adopt stricter requirements where permitted. "The intent was after meeting with the fire marshals and the fire department to bring our fire pit and open burning ordinances into line with the, with Deep's guidance and state law," the chair said during the discussion.

Committee member Al said staff will arrange meetings with all three fire departments to review changes. "We're we're gonna ask if we have table this till next month's meeting, because we are gonna meet with all 3, fire departments and, review the changes that we made and then, proposal at the next meeting," Al said.

Committee member Nick raised a concern about the ordinance's proposed time limits, asking why the draft limits fires between 8 a.m. and midnight and noting enforcement could be difficult. "I just had 1 question about I saw there was a there's time limits on on fires. It's an 8AM to night, time limit, and I was just wondering why that was or the thought process there," Nick said. Other members noted that some jurisdictions allow fires until 10 p.m., and members said staff could adjust hours after consultation with the fire departments.

A motion to table the ordinance until the committee's next meeting was made, seconded and carried unanimously at 9:06 a.m.; one attendee (James) recorded a yes vote in the meeting chat. The committee intends to bring a revised proposal back after the multi-department review.

The tabling postpones any vote or adoption; staff will return with recommended edits to setbacks, time limits, and any other provisions that differ by neighborhood or risk profile.