Shawnee County holds first reading on resolution to rewrite open-burning rules

Shawnee County commissioners received a first reading Dec. 18 for home rule resolution HR 2025-4, a proposed overhaul of the countys open-burning code that would apply only to unincorporated parts of the county.

"This is the first reading for this home rule resolution and essentially it would repeal and replace the entirety of the open burning code," said Kyle Edelman, assistant county counselor, who briefed the board. He said the draft would establish yearly permitting, require day-of authorization, and set a procedure for implementing a burn ban. Because it was a first reading, the board could not adopt the resolution at the session and a second reading will be required before any change takes effect.

Commissioners asked how the proposal would affect specific events. When a commissioner raised whether burns on a park site referred to as Bernett's/Brunette's Mound would fall under the new rules, Edelman replied the resolution applies to unincorporated county land and said he had shared the draft with Tim Laurent in parks and recreation and had not heard concerns. He cautioned that activities inside municipal city limits are not governed by the county ordinance.

Edelman said the county sought input from emergency management, the sheriff's office, local fire districts, the Farm Bureau and the conservation district while drafting the resolution. No formal motion or vote was taken at the work session; the commission will schedule a second reading before any adoption.

Next steps: the board must hold the required second reading and any subsequent public hearing or modifications before adopting HR 2025-4.