Chapter 8.16
FIRE SAFETY
Sections:
8.16.020 Removal of hazardous grass.
8.16.030 Fire chief to designate grass fire hazard – Notice – Lien.
8.16.035 Permit process and authority.
8.16.010 Burning restricted.
Except as otherwise allowed by permit issued by the city pursuant to TMC 8.16.035, the burning or disposal of refuse, sawdust, oil, fuel oil, or other material, in such a manner as to cause or permit ashes, sawdust, soot, cinders or other material to be cast upon the streets and/or alleys of the city, or to cause or permit the smoke, ashes, soot, gases or other materials arising from such burning to become annoying to any considerable number of persons or to damage the property of any considerable number of persons, or to injure or endanger the health, comfort or repose of such persons or to damage or injure the property of any person or persons, firm, company or corporation is declared to be a nuisance.
(Ord. O2022-018, Amended, 09/06/2022; Ord. O2011-007, Amended, 07/19/2011; Ord. 376, Added, 11/10/1958)
8.16.020 Removal of hazardous grass.
All persons owning property within the corporate limits of the city are required to destroy and remove all grass, weeds and brush growing on any property within the city which becomes a fire hazard or nuisance.
(Ord. 386, Added, 05/05/1959)
8.16.030 Fire chief to designate grass fire hazard – Notice – Lien.
The fire chief of the city shall determine when said grass, weeds and brush growing on any property constitute such a fire hazard or nuisance, and if same is not so destroyed and removed within ten days after notice by the fire chief is given to the property owner to do so, the city is authorized and empowered to perform the work necessary to so destroy and remove the grass, weeds and brush and to create a lien against the property from which same is destroyed and removed for the expense thereof.
(Ord. 386, Added, 05/05/1959)
8.16.035 Permit process and authority.
The fire chief, or their designee, shall have the authority to issue a controlled burn permit consistent with state law.
A. An applicant shall apply for a permit through the fire department and shall concurrently apply for a state burn permit through the Washington Department of Natural Resources.
B. An applicant shall be required to submit a communications plan regarding the proposed burn to notify area residents as part of the city controlled burn permit application. The fire chief or designee will work with the applicant to determine the required scope for the communications plan, but the implementation of the communications plan shall be the responsibility of the applicant.
C. A city controlled burn permit may not be issued until the applicant has an approved state burn permit and communications plan. The fire chief shall retain the right to cancel, modify, or postpone the burn if conditions are deemed too hazardous to burn on a given day.
(Ord. O2022-018, Added, 09/06/2022)
8.16.040 Violation – Penalty.
Any person violating this chapter, in addition to having a lien charged against his property for violations of TMC 8.16.020 and 8.16.030, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(Ord. O2011-007, Amended, 07/19/2011; Ord. 386, Added, 05/05/1959)