New Controlled Burn Procedures

Oak Hill Fire Dept Controlled Burn Policy's

New Safety Rules and Enforcement Regs For Outdoor Controlled Burns:

Outdoor Burning Regulations

Residential Maintenance

All outdoor burning conducted within the district must be authorized and will or may require an on-site visit prior to initiating "any" outdoor burning.

The individual responsible for the outdoor burning shall contact the Emergency Prevention Division at (512) 288-5534 ext. 300 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for notification and instructions.

After the request is received, a code official or fire department officer will or may conduct an on-site inspection. If required and the site inspection is satisfactory, permission will be granted to conduct the burn.

Residential maintenance does not require a permit fee, given that the burning is occasional and not commercial in nature.

Open Burning Requirements (All)
Open Burning Permit Application

Permit-Required Open Burning For any burning other than residential maintenance a permit shall be obtained from the fire code official in accordance with §105.6 of the adopted International Fire Code prior to kindling a fire for recognized silvicultural or range or wildlife management practices, prevention, or control of disease or pests, a bonfire, or any other outdoor burning within the district.

All outdoor burning authorized within the district shall be conducted in full compliance with all applicable statutes, rules, or regulations, including this Ordinance, and in the case of conflict between any other applicable statute, rule, or regulation and this Ordinance, the more stringent provision shall prevail.

Any open burning other than that intended for residential maintenance as described in the previous section, i.e. Lot Clearing, Prescribed Burning, or if in the code official's opinion any request that exceeds acceptable height, size, or frequency shall require a prescribed time frame permit and/or fees. Application for such approval(s) shall only be presented by and permits issued to the owner of the land upon which the fire is to be kindled.

Permit-Required Open Burning District Requirements (All):

The site is inspected or approved by a fire department official
A phone is available on-site to call 911 as needed
The proposed burn site is at least 50 feet from any structure
Wind and/or conditions are favorable
Cannot burn prohibited items
The proposed burn site is of manageable size and height
An approved water source or extinguishing equipment is available at the burn site
The burn site is downwind or at least 300 feet from any occupants that might be sensitive to smoke
The applicant is to be informed of burn regulations
The applicant must abide by any additional requirements provided by code official
When issued, all permits shall be kept on the premises designated therein at all times and shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises, or shall be kept on the premises location designated by the fire code official

§307.2.1 Authorization

All outdoor burning shall be done in accordance with Texas Outdoor Burning Rule Title 30 Texas Administrative Code (30 TAC) §111.201-111.221. If a conflict should arise between this code and the Texas Outdoor Burning Rule Title 30 Texas Administrative Code (30 TAC) §111.201-111.221, then the more stringent rule shall apply.

Where required by a state or local law or this code, open burning shall only be authorized with prior approval from the state or local air and water quality management authority, provided that all conditions specified in the authorization are followed.

If issued, permits may be revoked at any time by the fire code official if any conditions or limitations set forth in the permit have been violated. This action, if taken, may result in fines or additional fees issued by the fire department.