§ 299-1. Title and authority.

This chapter shall be known as the "City of Binghamton Outdoor Furnace Law." It is adopted pursuant to Municipal Home Rule Law § 10.

§ 299-2. Intent.

Although outdoor furnaces may provide an economical alternative to conventional heating systems, concerns have been raised regarding the safety and environmental impacts of these heating devices, particularly the production of offensive odors and potential health effects of uncontrolled emissions. This chapter is intended to ensure that outdoor furnaces are utilized in a manner that does not create a nuisance and is not detrimental to the health, safety and general welfare of the residents of the City of Binghamton.

§ 299-3. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

FIREWOOD—Trunks and branches of trees and bushes, but does not include leaves, needles, vines or brush smaller than three inches in diameter.

OUTDOOR FURNACE—Any equipment, device or apparatus, or any part thereof, which is installed, affixed or situated outdoors for the primary purpose of combustion of fuel to produce heat or energy used as a component of a heating system providing heat for any interior space.

UNTREATED LUMBER—Dry wood which has been milled and dried but which has not been treated or combined with any petroleum product, chemical, preservative, glue, adhesive, stain, paint or other substance.

§ 299-4. Permit required.

No person shall cause, allow or maintain the use of an outdoor furnace within the City of Binghamton without first having obtained a permit from the Fire Marshal. Application for a permit shall be made to the Fire Marshal on the forms provided.

§ 299-5. Existing outdoor furnaces.

Any outdoor furnace in existence on the effective date of this chapter shall be permitted to remain, provided that the owner applies for and receives a permit from the Fire Marshal within one year of such effective date; provided, however, that upon the effective date of the chapter all the provisions hereof except § 299-6B, C and D shall immediately apply to existing outdoor furnaces. All of the provisions of this chapter shall continue to apply to existing outdoor furnaces which receive permits except § 299-6B, C and D. If the owner of an existing outdoor furnace does not receive a permit within one year of the effective date of this chapter, the outdoor furnace shall be removed. "Existing" or "in existence" means that the outdoor furnace is in place on the site.

§ 299-6. Specific requirements.

§ 299-7. Suspension of permit.

§ 299-8. Waivers.

Where the Common Council of the City of Binghamton finds that extraordinary and unnecessary hardships may result from strict compliance with this chapter, it may vary the regulations so that substantial justice may be done and the public interest secured, provided that such variations will not have the effect of nullifying the intent and purpose of this chapter or of jeopardizing the health, safety or welfare of the public. In varying any regulations, the Common Council may impose such conditions and requirements as it deems reasonable and prudent. The Common Council may, at its discretion, hold a public hearing as part of its review. If the Common Council grants the waiver, a permit shall be issued for the outdoor furnace. If the Common Council denies the waiver, the outdoor furnace must either be brought into compliance with this chapter or removed. If the Common Council does not take any action with respect to the waiver within 60 days from its receipt of an application for waiver, the waiver shall be deemed denied.

§ 299-9. Enforcement; revocation of permit.

Failure to comply with any of the provisions of this chapter shall be a violation and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for a period of not more than 10 days, or both, for the first offense. Any subsequent offense shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for a period of not more than 30 days, or both. In addition, any permit issued pursuant to this chapter shall be revoked upon conviction of a second offense and the subject outdoor furnace shall not be eligible for another permit. Each day that a violation occurs shall constitute a separate offense. The owners of premises upon which prohibited acts occur shall be jointly and severally liable for violations of this chapter. Any fine imposed hereunder shall constitute a lien upon the real property on which the outdoor furnace is located until paid.

§ 299-10. Effect of other provisions.

Nothing contained herein shall authorize or allow burning which is prohibited by codes, laws, rules or regulations promulgated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation or any other federal, state, regional or local agency. Outdoor furnaces, and any electrical, plumbing or other apparatus or device used in connection with an outdoor furnace, shall be installed, operated and maintained in conformity with the manufacturer's specifications and any and all local, state and federal codes, laws, rules and regulations. In case of a conflict between any provision of this chapter and any applicable federal, state or local ordinances, codes, laws, rules, or regulations, the more restrictive or stringent provision or requirement shall prevail.