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Oak Point adopts rewrite of outdoor-burning rules, clarifies penalties and pile-size limits
Summary
Council repealed and replaced Chapter 8 (Article 8.02) to clarify allowed outdoor burning, add definitions and pile-size limits, and align fire-code penalties (fire-code violations up to $2,000; noise offenses remain $500). Council asked staff to clean up nuisance language before final codification.
The Oak Point City Council adopted an ordinance on Aug. 21 that repeals and replaces Chapter 8 (Article 8.02) of the city code to update rules on outdoor burning, add definitions and set clearer safety guidelines.
The Fire Chief told the council the rewrite is intended to clarify what is allowed and to improve public safety by setting pile-size limits and containment rules. "We simply added some clarification and some definitions and quite a few additional guidelines," the chief said, describing the effort as a compilation of practices from peer cities.
Staff also explained the ordinance removes conflicting penalty language and relies on the code’s general penalty provisions: fire-code violations referenced in the chapter can be assessed up to $2,000, while noise-related violations remain subject to a $500 penalty. Council members asked clarifying questions about the nuisance definition and suggested removing or rewording a phrase to avoid confusion; staff said they would bring back a cleaned-up version if needed.
After brief discussion, the council voted to adopt the ordinance. Staff said the new language will give clearer guidance to residents and align fines with the city’s code and state law where applicable.
