During March and April of 2014, the Village sought feedback from residents regarding open burning (through Open Village Hall). Feedback was received on both sides of the spectrum (between those who are in favor of burning and those who are not) and many respondents had strong feelings about the matter. Since that time, staff has been researching different options related to open burning and recently completed revisions to the ordinance that were presented to the Village Board on Monday, July 20.

Staff worked to strike a balance between small scale recreational fires on private property and the health needs of residents with respiratory challenges. Open burning rules were proposed to allow the use of recreational fire pits without a permit (given certain safety guidelines are followed) while limiting the types of waste (including leaves) that can be burned as part of open burning.

Staff proposed that recreational fires be allowed without a permit provided certain conditions are met. Staff also proposed that the following types of open burning be allowed with a permit from the Fire & Rescue Department:

• controlled prairie fires (for environmental management)
• bonfires
• instructional/training fires
• burning of dried branches

The draft ordinance also goes on to describe what types of materials are not allowed to be burned. The final version of the adopted ordinance will be included in an upcoming issue of the Village Newsletter and is available by clicking "View PDF" below.

View PDF