Chandler burn ordinance still in effect
By Nathan Straus News Reporter

The city of Chandler passed a burn ban on June 12, 2007, and the ban is still active. Ordinance number 07-119 outlines the specifics of the ban, and a copy can be obtained from Chandler city hall for any questions not answered in this publication.

Firstly, many types of outdoor burning have been prohibited. For example, within the limits of Chandler it is no longer lawful to burn trees, brush or other plant growth on any property, residential or commercial. This means dead leaves can't be gathered and burned.

In addition, the burning of garbage, trash, rubbish, waste, refuse or construction debris on said property is also prohibited.

Certain types of burning are permitted, however. Outdoor burning for the purposes of recreation or ceremony are authorized. Burning for noncommercial preparation of food or to emit heat during cold weather are also authorized. Permitted fires are limited to three feet in diameter by two feet high. Local authority does not have to be contacted for permission to light these fires.

Note, however, these fires can't be composed of leaves, grass or other yard waste.

Also, burning for agricultural use or land clearing for new construction is allowed with a permit.

Finally, if a property owner has a large tract of land, the owner may conduct a burn as long as it is 300 feet away from any residence, street or road. The owner must obtain a permit from the city in order to do this.

Violators of this ordinance are guilty of a Class C misdemeanor and can be fined, upon conviction, between $100 and $2,000. This ordinance will also supersede any conflicting ordinances.

Finally, should one part or provision of the ordinance be deemed invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, said part or provision can be tossed out without affecting the other parts or provisions.