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1. What changes have been made to the Open Burn Ordinance?

The Pittsfield Charter Township Open Burn Ordinance has recently been amended regarding the use of barbecue grills or patio wood burning units on or near multi-family buildings. The changes that were made to the ordinance reflect the International Fire Code which Pittsfield Charter Township has adopted. The language that was added prohibits the use of charcoal, propane, wood, natural gas or any open flame cooking appliance on covered patios or porches of multi-family dwellings with three or more units. It also restricts the use of patio wood-burning units in multi-family dwellings.

From the Ordinance:
"The use of charcoal, wood, propane, natural gas or any other open flame cooking or grilling appliances on covered patios or covered porches of multi-family dwellings with three or more units is prohibited. All such use must be in compliance with the Fire Prevention Code of Pittsfield Charter Township."

2. Does this apply to me?

If you reside in a building that has three or more attached units, such as an apartment building or condominium complex then it does apply to you unless your patio or deck is protected by an automatic sprinkler system.

If you live in a building with only one or two units, such as a duplex or single-family house then it doesn't apply to you.

3. Is there some type of grill that I can use on my covered patio or porch?

Yes. Grills that are fueled by a 2 1/2 pound propane canister (usually green in color) are allowed.

4. What is a wood-burning unit and can it be used at all?

A wood-burning unit is usually a screened metal container that is used for campfires. These units can only be used if your patio or porch is protected by an automatic sprinkler system or if it can be moved at least 15 feed away from any combustible material. If those conditions are met, the unit may be used to burn clean wood only and shall not cause a nuisance to neighbors.

From the Ordinance:
"A patio wood-burning unit may be installed and used in the township only in accordance with all of the following provisions:

The patio wood-burning unit shall not be used to burn refuse.
The patio wood-burning unit shall burn only clean wood.
The patio wood-burning unit shall be located at least 15 feet from the nearest structure.
The patio wood-burning unit shall not cause a nuisance to neighbors
The use of a patio wood-burning unit is prohibited on balconies and covered porches of multi-family dwellings.

5. Can I have a bonfire?

Yes. You must have a parcel not smaller than one acre, the bonfire can be no larger than 5'x5'x5', must be 50' from any structure and must be attended by a person of at least 18 years of age. The bonfire can burn no longer than 3 hours and must be attended until cold.

From the Ordinance:

"(g) Outdoor campfires and bonfires for cooking, ceremonies, or recreation are allowed provided they do not cause a nuisance.

(h) Open burning under this section shall only be conducted at a location at least 50 feet from any structure and 15 feet from any property line.

(i) Except for campfires and bonfires, open burning shall only be conducted between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and one hour prior to dusk.

(j) A bonfire shall not be more than five feet wide and five feet high and shall not burn longer than three hours. The maximum size and duration of a bonfire shall not be increased by the fire department personnel unless it is determined that fire safety requirements of the situation and the desirable duration of a burn warrant the increase. Fuel for a bonfire shall consist solely of seasoned dry firewood and shall be ignited with a small quantity of paper. The fire shall not be utilized for waste disposal purposes.

(k) Open burning shall be constantly attended and supervised by a competent person of at least 18 years of age until the fire is extinguished and is cold. The person shall have readily available for use such fire extinguishing equipment as may be necessary for the total control of the fire."

6. What do I do if a neighbors open burning is a nuisance?

Any fire causing a nuisance is in violation of the ordinance. Contact the Department of Public Safety at 734.822.4911 to report the location of the nuisance fire. The on duty fire fighters will respond, make contact with the property owner and have the fire extinguished.

7. Can I burn leaves, brush and tree limbs?

Open burning of leaves, brush and tree limbs can only be conducted on parcels that are zoned Agricultural.

8. If I have a campfire or bonfire what can I burn?

Only clean wood may be burned which means no painted, varnished, or coated materials; materials that have not been pressure treated with preservatives; and material that does not contain glues such as plywood or other composite wood products. No fire shall be used for burning waste wood or refuse.