Strongsville council adopts fire code changes that align open-burning rules with state standards

The Strongsville City Council on April 7 adopted an amendment to the city—s Fire Prevention Code to align local open-burning rules with the State of Ohio—s fire code and to add clearer definitions and location requirements for portable fire pits.

The change, introduced by Council member Miss Kozak in the Public Safety and Health committee and explained by Neil of the building and fire department during caucus, reduces an interpreted separation requirement from 25 feet to 15 feet consistent with the state fire code and adds definitions drawn from state rule language.

Council members said the revision is intended to make the ordinance easier to apply by residents and city staff. Neil, building and fire department staff, summarized the rationale: "Under the old ordinance, it was interpreted that it had to be 25 feet. But if you looked at the state fire code, it said 15. So we—re remedying that by doing this ordinance." He added the rewrite also "added definitions now that are straight out of the fire code so that if there's more clarity as to who fits into which category."

Council member Brian asked a clarification question during caucus: "Is it 15 feet from the house or from the property line?" Neil responded: "From the house," and later said he would follow up on typical property-line questions.

Members also discussed how the amendment changes the conditions under which the fire department may order immediate extinguishment. The previous provision allowed the fire department to order immediate extinguishment at any time; the new text limits immediate extinguishment to cases that violate the chapter or are "deemed to constitute a danger to safety." Neil said the department—s definitions were expanded so staff are comfortable the language gives them sufficient authority to act when necessary.

The council moved to suspend the rules and adopt the ordinance at the meeting. The motion to suspend was made by Mr. Carbone and seconded by Mr. Kaminski; the motion to adopt was moved by Mr. Carbone and seconded by Mr. Kaminski. Roll-call votes were recorded as unanimous among members present.

The ordinance takes effect as an emergency measure by the council—s vote.

Votes at a glance: ordinance amending Fire Prevention Code (ordinance number 2025540; emergency adoption) — moved by Mr. Carbone, seconded by Mr. Kaminski; vote: Spring: yes; Short: yes; Carbone: yes; Kaminski: yes; Kozak: yes; Roth: yes.

The change is meant to reduce confusion for residents installing or using portable fire pits and to give building and fire department staff clearer, code-aligned language to enforce. Neil said he will follow up with council members about questions on distance from property lines.

The council—s discussion occurred during caucus and was revisited during the council meeting before the formal vote; no members voted against the ordinance and no public comments were made on the item during the public hearing period.