Pine Tree City Council reviews proposed changes to burn permit ordinance

In the heart of Peachtree City, city council members gathered on May 8, 2025, to deliberate on a pressing issue that has sparked both concern and curiosity among residents: the city's burn permit ordinance. As the meeting unfolded, Jeff Feldman, the city’s fire marshal, presented a comprehensive review of the current burning regulations and proposed potential changes aimed at enhancing public safety and air quality.

Currently, Peachtree City allows outdoor burning from October 1 to May 1, with strict guidelines that include size limits on burn piles and the requirement for residents to be present during burning. However, from May 1 to September 30, a burn ban is enforced due to air quality concerns, as mandated by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.

Feldman shared insights from his research into how neighboring municipalities handle burning permits. He noted a wide variety of approaches: while some cities, like Newnan, require a fire marshal's site visit before issuing a permit, others, such as Fayetteville and Fairburn, follow Peachtree City’s existing model. Notably, the Georgia Forestry Commission ceased requiring permits in 2021, allowing residents to burn without formal approval during non-ban periods, provided they adhere to safety guidelines.

In the past year, Peachtree City issued 1,423 burn permits to 524 addresses, with a significant portion of permits granted to just 35 locations. This data prompted discussions about the potential for stricter regulations, including a proposed total ban on outdoor burning of yard debris, while still permitting recreational fires and cooking without a permit.

Feldman also introduced the idea of limiting burning to larger lot sizes, suggesting that permits could only be issued for properties of two acres or more. This proposal, however, raised concerns about accessibility, as only 224 lots in the city meet this criterion. The council debated the implications of such restrictions, weighing the benefits of reduced smoke complaints against the potential limitations on residents' rights to manage their property.

As the meeting progressed, council members reflected on the balance between community safety and individual freedoms. The discussions highlighted the complexities of environmental regulations and the need for a thoughtful approach to policy-making that considers both public health and the diverse needs of Peachtree City residents.

With the council poised to make a decision on the burn permit ordinance in the coming weeks, the outcome will undoubtedly shape the future of outdoor burning in the city, leaving residents eager to see how their voices will influence the final regulations.