Politics & Government

Changes Made to Proposed Whitehall Fire Pits Ordinance

The changes are now available for public viewing.

After discussing the issue of open, outdoor burning, Whitehall Council last week made amendments to the ordinance that was first drafted and made public in February. 

The ordinance originally required that fire pits be no more than four feet in diameter and no less than 18 inches deep. At Councilman Robert McKown's suggestion, this was amended to read that fire pits should be no more than three feet in diameter and no less than 12 inches deep. 

McKown said he wanted to consider that change because 12-inch-deep pits seemed to be the standard size, based on what was commonly sold by Cabella's and similar stores that sell outdoor goods.

Find out what's happening in Baldwin-Whitehallwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The ordinance also now includes that a permit must be obtained for a bonfire, in accordance with enforcement of the 2009 International Fire Code. A bonfire, per the ordinance, is identified as an outdoor fire used for ceremonial purposes that is larger than a recreational fire.

Per Borough Manager James E. Leventry, residents do not need to obtain a permit in order to own or use a recreational fire pit.

Find out what's happening in Baldwin-Whitehallwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Additionally, regulations applying to grills have been removed from the ordinance, so that the ordinance applies only to recreational open burning, and cooking devices that have an open flame.

The amended ordinance is now available for public view. It is attached to this article as a PDF document, and also is available on the Whitehall Borough website, or at the Whitehall Municipal Building.

---

Follow the Baldwin-Whitehall Patch on Facebook and Twitter.

Sign up for the (free) daily Baldwin-Whitehall newsletter.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here