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Torrington council approves backyard fire‑pit ordinance on second reading; penalty language to be added for third reading
Summary
Council approved an ordinance on recreational backyard fire pits, barbecues and smokers on second reading and directed staff to clarify enforcement/penalty text before the third reading to make the rule self‑contained for dispatch and enforcement.
Torrington, Wyo. — On May 5 the Torrington City Council approved an ordinance on second reading that creates rules for recreational backyard fire pits, barbecues and smokers, and asked staff to clarify penalty language and enforcement references before third reading.
Staff reported there had been no public comments and recommended approval. Council members asked whether the ordinance should include an explicit penalty or cross‑reference to a penalty provision. Chief Matt Johnson and staff signaled that it would be useful to place enforcement and penalty language directly in the ordinance to make it self‑contained and provide clear guidance to dispatch and enforcement officers.
Chief Johnson observed that clarifying penalties in the ordinance would help dispatch give callers a definitive response; council members agreed to consider an amendment before third reading. Council approved the ordinance on second reading by voice vote, with councillors indicating they intend to include a clear penalty/enforcement clause in the next draft.
What happens next: staff will draft suggested penalty language for council consideration on third reading.
