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La Center adopts outdoor-burning code update to follow regional air-agency rules
Summary
The council adopted Ordinance 2024-18 amending LCMZ 8.30 to align with Southwest Clean Air Agency jurisdiction: burning is not allowed inside city limits except small recreational fire pits; larger burns require a special permit through SWCA. The ordinance passed on roll call (Boyle voted no).
La Center —— The La Center City Council adopted Ordinance 2024-18 on Dec. 18, updating the municipal code on outdoor burning to conform to the Southwest Clean Air Agency—s rules.
Tracy Coleman, presenting the ordinance, told the council the update is intended to reflect the city—s statutory obligation to follow the regional agency: "we're updating our code to be reflective of what we're mandated to do which is follow the Southwest Clean Air Agency Act." Coleman explained that the city cannot authorize burning within city limits and that recreational fire pits remain allowed under the Southwest Clean Air Agency guidance (a typical recreational fire pit dimension described in staff remarks was 3 by 3 by 2 feet). Coleman said larger slash piles outside city limits require filing a special permit with the Southwest Clean Air Agency.
During public comment, residents expressed differing views. Al Fila reiterated opposition to perceived government overreach on backyard burning. Skip Burrows asked how the ordinance handles clearing and grubbing burn piles; Coleman responded that special circumstances must go through SWCA—s permitting process and that the city must follow state law and SWCA rules. The council discussed public outreach and agreed to include the rule changes in the city newsletter.
Council member motion and roll call followed: the motion to adopt Ordinance 2024-18 was moved and seconded, and the clerk recorded votes: Council member Casperg voted yes; Council member Boyle voted no; Council member Leija voted yes; Council member Cervini voted yes; Council member Fox was recorded absent and excused. The ordinance passed on roll call vote.
The ordinance updates La Center Municipal Code chapter 8.30 to align city burning rules with the Southwest Clean Air Agency jurisdiction; staff said enforcement and permit questions would be administered through SWCA for burns outside city limits and the city will share the guidance with residents via newsletter and the city website.
