152.01 TITLE.
This chapter shall be known as the City of Bloomfield Outdoor Furnace Local Ordinance.
152.02 INTENT.
Although outdoor furnaces may provide an economical alternative to conventional heating systems, concerns have been raised regarding the safety and environmental impacts of these heating devices, particularly the production of offensive odors and potential health effects of uncontrolled emissions. This chapter is intended to ensure that outdoor furnaces are utilized in a manner that does not create a nuisance and is not detrimental to the health, safety and general welfare of the residents of the City.
152.03 DEFINITIONS.
- “Firewood” means trunks and branches of trees and bushes but does not include leaves, needles, vines or brush smaller than three inches (3”) in diameter.
- “Outdoor furnace” means any equipment, device or apparatus, or any part thereof, which is installed, affixed or situated outdoors for the primary purpose of combustion of fuel to produce heat or energy used as a component of a heating system providing heat for any interior space.
- “Untreated lumber” means dry wood which has been milled and dried but which has not been treated or combined with any petroleum product, chemical, preservative, glue, adhesive, stain, paint, or other substance.
152.04 PERMIT REQUIRED.
No person shall cause, allow or maintain the use of an outdoor furnace within the City without first having obtained a permit from the Public Works Director. Application for permit shall be made to the Public Works Director on the forms provided by the City.
152.05 EXISTING OUTDOOR FURNACES.
Any outdoor furnace in existence on the effective date of this local ordinance shall be permitted to remain provided that the owner applies for and receives a permit from the Public Works Director within one (1) year of such effective date; provided, however, that upon the effective date of this local ordinance all the provisions hereof except paragraphs 152.06 (2) and (3) shall apply to existing outdoor furnaces. All of the provisions of this chapter shall continue to apply to existing outdoor furnaces which receive permits except paragraphs 152.06 (2) and (3). If the owner of an existing outdoor furnace does not receive a permit within one (1) year of the effective date of this local ordinance, the outdoor furnace shall be removed. “Existing” or “in existence” means that the outdoor furnace is in place on the site.
152.06 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS.
- Permitted Fuel. Only firewood and untreated lumber are permitted to be burned in any outdoor furnace. Burning of any other materials in an outdoor furnace is prohibited.
- Minimum Lot Size. Outdoor furnaces shall be permitted only on lots of three (3) acres or more.
- Setbacks. Outdoor furnaces shall be set back not less than 200 feet (200′) from the nearest lot line.
- Months of Operation. Outdoor furnaces shall be operated only between September 1st and May 31st.
- Spark Arrestors. All outdoor furnaces shall be equipped with properly functioning spark arrestors.
152.07 SUSPENSION OF PERMIT.
A permit issued pursuant to this chapter may be suspended as the Public Works Director may determine to be necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the residents of the City if any of the following conditions occur:
- Malodorous air contaminants from the outdoor furnace are detectable outside the property of the person on whose land the outdoor furnace is located.
- The emissions from the outdoor furnace interfere with the reasonable enjoyment of life or property.
- The emissions from the outdoor furnace cause damage to vegetation or property.
- The emissions from the outdoor furnace are or may be harmful to human or animal health.
A suspended permit may be reinstated once the condition which resulted in suspension is remedied and reasonable assurances are given that such condition will not recur. Recurrence of a condition which has previously resulted in suspension of a permit shall be considered a violation of this chapter subject to the penalties provided in Section 152.09 hereof.
152.08 WAIVERS.
Where the City Council finds that extraordinary and unnecessary hardships may result from strict compliance with this chapter, it may vary the regulations so that substantial justice may be done and the public interest secured, provided that such variations will not have the effect of nullifying the intent and purpose of this chapter or of jeopardizing the health, safety or welfare of the public. In varying any regulations, the Council may impose such conditions and requirements as it deems reasonable and prudent. The Council, at its discretion, may hold a public hearing as part of its review. If the Council grants the waiver, a permit shall be issued for the outdoor furnace. If the Council denies the waiver, the outdoor furnace must either be brought into compliance with this chapter or removed. If the Council does not take any action with respect to the waiver within sixty (60) days from receipt of an application for waiver, the waiver shall be deemed denied.
152.09 ENFORCEMENT REVOCATION OF PERMIT.
Failure to comply with any of the provisions of this chapter shall be a violation and, shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $500 for the first offense. Any subsequent offense shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $1000. In addition, any permit issued pursuant to this chapter shall be revoked upon a second offense and the subject outdoor furnace shall not be eligible for another permit. Each day that a violation occurs shall constitute a separate offense. The owners of premises upon which prohibited acts occur shall be jointly and severally liable for violations of this chapter. Any fine imposed hereunder shall constitute a lien upon the real property where the outdoor furnace is located until paid.
152.10 EFFECT OF OTHER REGULATIONS.
Nothing contained herein shall authorize or allow burning which is prohibited by codes, laws, rules, or regulations promulgated by any other federal, state, regional or local agency. Outdoor furnaces and any electrical, plumbing or other apparatus or device used in connection with an outdoor furnace, shall be installed, operated and maintained in conformity with the manufacturer’s specifications and any and all local, State and Federal codes, laws, rules and regulations. In case of a conflict between any provision of this chapter and any applicable Federal, State or local ordinances, codes, laws, rules or regulations, the more restrictive or stringent provision or requirement shall prevail.
(Ch. 152 – Ord. 618 – July 06 Supp.)