Council members reviewed a first reading of a draft ordinance to regulate open burning and private fire pits in the village. The draft is intended to align local rules with state fire codes and to fill a gap identified during the larger codification project.
Staff described the proposal as allowing small, controlled recreational fires while prohibiting larger yard-waste or bonfire burning unless permitted. The draft includes size limits and basic safety requirements: typical language in the discussion limited recreational fires to a maximum of 5 feet in diameter and 3 feet in flame height, and specified that burning should be of “clean, dry, seasoned wood” or use of manufactured devices using natural gas or propane.
Council and public questions focused on what constitutes yard waste, whether residents with tree branches from routine property maintenance could burn those materials (staff said properly seasoned wood within size limits would generally be allowed), and how village rules interact with Miami Township fire enforcement and Ohio regulations.
Council action: presented as a first reading; no vote taken.
Next steps: staff and the law director will refine language as part of the codification process and return with a final ordinance and permitting procedure.