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Committee approves rezoning after fire-safety, building-code questions over smoker trailer
Summary
The Economic and Development Committee approved rezoning for property in the 6900 block of West Orchard Street as members and staff discussed whether a smoker placed on a trailer would trigger building code requirements and what fire-access measures would be required.
The City of West Allis Economic and Development Committee voted to approve an ordinance to rezone property in the 6900 block of West Orchard Street from RC (residential) to C-2 (commercial) after a public hearing and discussion about a proposed outdoor smoker and associated structures.
Committee members and staff questioned whether the proposed smoker would be inside a shed or mounted on a trailer, how building code and fire-code requirements apply, and whether emergency access (for example, a Knox box) and paved parking would be required. Dan, a city staff member, said that if a structure is attached to the ground it would have to meet commercial building code and that “any wall within 10 feet of a property line is gonna have to be a fire-rated wall.” The applicant stated the smoker would remain on a trailer and that the trailer would be parked on a paved surface.
After the committee’s discussion, a motion was made and seconded and the committee approved the rezoning by voice vote. Committee members clarified that a smoker placed on a trailer would generally avoid commercial building-code requirements but would still need to meet planning department recommendations and fire department rules; staff recommended the trailer be parked on a paved surface and that the smoker be sited inside the trailer or otherwise designed to comply with code.
Committee members also raised operational concerns: locking and sealing the metal shed to prevent tampering, sealing the shed base against pests, and ensuring a property owner or point of contact (for example, an owner or someone with a key or lockbox) could provide emergency access. One committee member suggested installing a Knox box so the fire department could access the structure if needed. The transcript does not show the committee imposing additional enforceable conditions beyond the usual permitting and inspection process; the rezoning passed and will be followed by required permits and inspections from building and fire departments.
