SUBJECT:
Title
An Ordinance of the Town Council of the Town of Erie Restricting Open Burning in the Town
Department
DEPARTMENT: Police
Presenter
PRESENTER(S): Breena Meng, Town Attorney
Lee Mathis, Chief of Police
end
Time
TIME ESTIMATE: 15 minutes
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For time estimate: please put 0 for Consent items.
Fiscal
Policy
POLICY ISSUES:
Council must approve any Ordinances.
Recommendation
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the ordinance.
Body
SUMMARY/KEY POINTS
• This ordinance is intended to protect public health, safety, and welfare by establishing restrictions on open burning in home fire pits.
• The ordinance would amend Section 6-6-15(C)(4) of the Erie Municipal Code by adding new subsections (a), (b), (c), and (d) (see attached ordinance).
BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
In response to public complaints regarding burning, this ordinance will establish restrictions on open burning in home fire pits by including the following provisions:
• Requiring non-combustible containers and setting limits on container sizes
• Requiring a wire mesh or screens to contain sparks and embers
• Prohibit burning garbage (including yard waste)
Based on discussion with Council during the December 16, 2025 meeting, staff added provisions (“ember emitting”) to make the provisions not apply to gas or propane appliances, and also eliminated the 15’ separation provision included in the draft ordinance.
priorities
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attachments
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Proposed Ordinance 003-2026
2. Existing Code Section 6-6-15 - Fire Setting