Peachtree City reviews outdoor burning permits amid health and safety concerns

In a recent Peachtree City Council work session, the topic of outdoor burning regulations took center stage, sparking a lively discussion among council members and city officials. Fire Marshal Jeff Thelmet presented an overview of the current burn permit ordinance, which allows residents to burn yard debris under strict conditions. The ordinance mandates that residents obtain a permit for each day they wish to burn, with a maximum pile size of 75 cubic feet. Notably, outdoor burning is prohibited from May 1 to October 1 due to environmental regulations aimed at improving air quality.

Thelmet highlighted that the current permitting system, managed through the city’s website, has its limitations. Over the past 24 months, 4,881 burn permits were issued, with a staggering 50% of those permits coming from just 37 addresses. This raised concerns about the impact of frequent burning on neighbors and air quality, prompting discussions about potential changes to the ordinance.

Council members expressed varying opinions on the future of outdoor burning in the city. Some advocated for a complete ban on burning yard debris, citing environmental concerns and the health impacts of smoke on residents, particularly those with allergies. Others suggested a more nuanced approach, considering factors such as lot size and the frequency of permits issued to individual residents.

The conversation also touched on the need for better data collection and enforcement mechanisms to manage burning activities effectively. Suggestions included implementing a fee for burn permits to discourage excessive burning and exploring partnerships with local waste management services to provide alternative yard waste disposal options.

As the meeting concluded, there was a consensus among several council members to explore an ordinance change that could potentially ban outdoor burning altogether, while others remained open to finding a compromise that would address the concerns of both residents who burn and those who are affected by it. The council plans to revisit the issue in future sessions, aiming to strike a balance between residents' rights and community health.