Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Environment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mason County updates outdoor‑burning code to match state rules and strengthen permit enforcement
Summary
The board adopted an ordinance to revise Chapter 9.48 to align burn rules with state law, add a definitions section, require inspectors to meet permittees on site, and give the county the ability to suspend or revoke land‑clearing permits for violations.
Mason County commissioners approved an ordinance updating Chapter 9.48 of county code to clarify outdoor‑burning rules and improve enforcement.
Fire Marshal Randy Collins explained the 1995 code had been amended piecemeal and needed a cleanup to reflect state law and the county’s agreement with ORCA (Olympic Regional Clean Air Agency). The draft adds a definitions section, clarifies that the county may issue land‑clearing burn permits under ORCA authority, requires permittees to meet the inspector onsite to review permit conditions and sign the permit, and provides the county authority to suspend or revoke permits as an alternative enforcement tool.
Members of the public asked about advance notice of burn bans and distinctions for urban‑growth areas and enforcement. The marshal said the county follows the National Fire Danger Rating System and coordinates with DNR; public notifications are issued via the county Facebook page, the county website, PSAs and local newspapers. He also described enforcement coordination with environmental health for illegal trash burning.
After discussion commissioners moved, seconded and approved the code update by voice vote. The new ordinance is intended to provide clearer, enforceable rules and stronger administrative remedies for land‑clearing burning violations.
