Burning option to remove old structures

GENTRY — An ordinance which will make it possible for property owners within the city to burn down unsafe and dilapidated structures passed on its third and final reading at Monday’s city council meeting.

The ordinance will allow the burning of structures within the corporate city limits after meeting the following requirements:

◊ An application to the fire chief, including a $25 application fee, for an inspection to determine if the structure qualifies as a building to be burned and it would be safe to do so;

◊Proper certification, at the applicant’s expense, that the building is free of asbestos and other hazardous materials; and

◊A burn permit issued by the fire chief - including a fee of $250 to cover costs of having the fire department standby during the burn.

The proposed ordinance also requires notification of the burn no less than three days in advance and full cleanup of the burn site within 30 days after the burn.

Should the fire department have to actively suppress a fire related to the burn, additional charges at standard time and equipment rates will be charged to the property owner.

A final provision sets a maximum fine of $1,500 for burning in violation of the provisions of the ordinance.