Wednesday, August 12, 2009
BENTONVILLE — BENTONVILLE - Thirty days from today, Benton County residents
will be able to apply for permits to
burn dilapidated structures and rotting
chicken houses on their property.
The process of creating and refining
the burn ordinance began in March
when Justice of the Peace Dan Dou
glas brought forward the idea to the
county Environmental Committee.
Allowing residents to burn the di
lapidated buildings will help eliminate
fire and health hazards presented by
the buildings, while saving taxpayers a
little money.
"We have a lot of buildings that are
unsightly and unsafe," Douglas said.
"This (ordinance) gives us a means to
control what is being burned and to
make sure something that is not sup
posed to be burned is not being
burned." Under the terms of the newly adopt
ed ordinance, residents will pay a one
time $25 fee per building they would
like to burn. Before the permit is ap
proved, the building will be inspected
by county Fire Marshal Will Hanna for
asbestos and other materials that might
prevent the building from receiving a
permit.
After a burn permit is issued, the ap
plicant will need to wait an additional
10 days and call Central Communica
tions to check weather conditions be
fore lighting a match, according to the
ordinance.
When all is said and burned, Hanna will once again inspect the building site to ensure that nothing was burned that was not previously approved.
Violators will be subject to a $500 fine and prosecution if a state law is violated.
ÃEverybody I have talked to out in the county that has an old building are all very happy this passed,î Douglas said. ÃThis is really a winwin for the county because it gets rid of the buildings and a win for the property owners who can get rid of them without it costing them a fortune.î
News, Pages 1, 2 on 08/12/2009