Council adopts tighter rules for recreational fires in city limits; minimum distance and material limits set

The Norwalk City Council on Thursday adopted a final reading of an ordinance amending open-burning regulations inside city limits to tighten requirements for recreational fires.

The adopted ordinance revises sections 53.022 and 53.033 of the Norwalk Municipal Code to require that recreational fires be at least 10 feet from any structure and to restrict the materials that may be burned in recreational fires because some building materials can release toxic chemicals. The changes were presented as a public-safety and nuisance measure.

The fire chief attended the meeting and had no additional comments. Council member Meineke moved the motion for final reading and Council member Baker seconded; the roll-call vote recorded affirmative votes from members present and the ordinance passed.

Councilors had previously approved the second reading; the final reading on Thursday completes the local code change. Staff will update permitting and public-notice materials to reflect the new buffers and material restrictions.