§ 3.07. Burn permits required in Manatee County.

(a)

Table 2 lists the categories of open burns that require a department permit. Prior to EMD issuance of a permit for any burn except for a Category V burn, approval must be obtained from the appropriate local fire district. No permit will be issued where other regulations prohibit open burning.

TABLE 2. Categories of Open Burning—County Permit Required

Category	Description
I	Residential Yard Burns (Yard Trash)
II	Land Clearing, No Air Curtain
III	Land Clearing, With Air Curtain
IV	Land Clearing, Residential
V	Fire Department Training Burns
VI	Nursery Burns
VII	Others

 

(1)

Category I. Residential yard burns. To reduce yard trash only as defined in Rule 62-256.200(24), residential yard burns are allowed by permit only. Setbacks shall be as specified in Rule 62-256.700(1)(a), (b) and (c), F.A.C. The permit will be valid for three (3) months from date of issue and may be extended in three-month increments up to one year, provided that the permittee complies with Rule 62-256.700(1)(a) through (h), F.A.C., and provides justification for an extension. A reasonable inspection and permit fee will be charged.

(2)

Categories II, III and IV. Land clearing. Open burning will be allowed by permit only, provided that the burn site complies with Rule 62-256.500, F.A.C., and is approved by the local fire district. Setbacks shall be as specified in Rule 62-256.500(1)(a) and (b). The permit is valid for three (3) months from date of issue. Extensions for up to one year may be obtained, with no additional fees charged, if written justification is provided for review and consideration by the director, and approval is granted. A reasonable inspection and permit fee will be charged.

(3)

Category V. Fire department training burns. A permit will be issued for fire training use only in accordance with Rule 62-256.700(5)(a) and (b), F.A.C. An inspection will be conducted by the director of his/her designee to determine compliance prior to issuing the permit. Each local fire department will be limited to three (3) structural burns per calendar quarter to minimize air pollution, except in special circumstances where additional structural burns are essential to human health and safety. In such special cases, the director may, at his/her discretion, approve burns in excess of the three (3) burns per calendar quarter specified above. No permit or inspection fees will be charged.

(4)

Category VI. Nursery burns. Will be allowed by permit only, provided that the burn site and procedures are in compliance with Rule 5I-2.006, F.A.C. (agricultural and silvicultural fires), specific conditions set forth in Rule 62-256.700, F.A.C, and is approved by the local fire district. The permit is valid for twelve (12) months from date of issue. The permit may contain specific conditions for types of materials burned such as chemical containers approved for destruction by open burning, strip burning, or plastic mulching and other agricultural type burning activities. Written application shall not be mandatory. A reasonable inspection and permit fee will be charged.

(5)

Category VII. Others. A bonfire or other fire that is used solely for recreational purposes or for ceremonial occasions, will be allowed by permit only, provided that the burn site complies with Rule 62-256.700, F.A.C., and is approved by the local fire district. An inspection may be conducted to ensure that only approved materials are to be burned. Approved materials are in accordance with Rule 62-256.200(5), F.A.C., "Clean Dry Wood." No permit or inspection fees will be charged.

(Regs. of 9-29-93; Ord. No. 96-23, § VII, 6-25-96)