Berlin’s outdoor burning policy is going back to the drawing board after residents shared concerns that the proposed code revisions don’t include an exception for large properties that need an efficient way to reduce yard and storm debris.
The Town of Berlin is looking to tighten its outdoor burning ordinance. At Monday night’s Town Council meeting, the group held a public hearing and overhauled the proposed document before addressing citizen comments. The revisions suggested this week polished the code’s language to clarify that open burning is not allowed in Berlin.
However, after those edits, residents asked that a pathway be carved out for large-acreage parcels that rely on open burning to clear immense accumulations of yard debris or natural storm wreckage. After hearing those worries, the council agreed to put the outdoor fire policy back on the agenda next month for a first reading, incorporating the governing team’s amendments made Monday night and a potential provision for vast tracts of land.