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Board approves code changes: open burning rules, NFPA adoption, EV charging and mobile vendor inspections
Summary
Supervisors approved advertisement and voice adoption of multiple code and safety updates: amendments to the open burning ordinance (restricting certain cooking devices on combustible balconies), adoption/advertisement of select NFPA standards not addressed by the PA UCC, life‑safety requirements for EV charging in parking structures, and removal of a food‑truck inspection exemption.
On March 12 the White Marsh Township Board of Supervisors moved forward on several public‑safety and code updates presented by Fire Marshal Andrew Thomas and other staff.
Open burning ordinance: Fire Marshal Andrew Thomas said amendments are intended to help apartment and condominium managers address charcoal burners and open‑flame cooking devices on combustible balconies while exempting single‑ and two‑family dwellings and sprinklered balconies. The board voted to advertise and later approved the amendment by voice vote.
NFPA adoption: The board authorized advertisement (and proceeded by voice vote) of an ordinance to adopt selected National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards that address hazards not fully covered by the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code; Thomas said the change strengthens life‑safety protections and enables enforcement where the UCC is silent.
EV charging in parking structures: Staff presented an ordinance requiring increased sprinkler coverage or fire‑rated separation for areas where electric vehicle chargers are installed inside parking garages; the proposal would not require retrofitting an entire garage but would require added protection in charger zones or a rated wall if sprinklers cannot be installed. The board approved advertisement and adoption by voice vote.
Mobile food vendors: The board approved an amendment to remove a prior exemption so that food trucks operating under special event permits are subject to inspection, insurance and Department of Health standards; staff noted Foundation Day would continue to receive a one‑day permit with the fee waived, but repeated operations would require a paid permit.
Each motion carried by voice vote; board members indicated these changes respond to inspection findings and evolving safety concerns in multiunit housing and parking structures.
