City of Spring Valley Updates Burning Restrictions for Public Safety and Environmental Welfare

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of Spring Valley Updates Burning Restrictions for Public Safety and Environmental Welfare

Spring Valley, Illinois – July 20, 2023 – The City of Spring Valley, Bureau County, Illinois, has passed Ordinance No. I, amending Chapter 3, Burning Restrictions, of Title 4, Fire Regulations, of the Spring Valley City Code. The updated ordinance aims to enhance public health, safety, and welfare by revising the regulations on burning materials within the city limits.

Background Recitals The City of Spring Valley had previously enacted burning restrictions, codified as Chapter 3, BURNING RESTRICTIONS, of Title 4, FIRE REGULATIONS, in the Spring Valley City Code. To ensure the continued well-being of residents and the environment, the Spring Valley City Council recently conducted a thorough review of these restrictions.

Key Amendments The updated ordinance introduces the following key amendments:

1. Rubbish Burning:

• It is prohibited to burn any materials, except small and dried quantities of branches, leaves, weeds, or grass, at any time other than as specifically allowed by Section 4-3-2 of the Chapter.
• The burning of offensive materials like rubber, tires, tar paper, leather, batteries, or any other substance emitting an unpleasant odor during combustion is strictly prohibited within the City of Spring Valley.

2. Burning Allowed:

• Limited amounts of yard waste material may be burned between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., but only during the Spring (April 1st – May 31st) and Fall (September 1st – November 30th).
• Burning is not permitted on, or adjacent to, any asphalt or paved street.
• No burning is allowed on any day when Hall Township High School hosts home football games.
• Fires must be attended by a responsible person until properly extinguished.
• The smoldering of slow-burning yard waste outside the specified hours and times of year is considered a nuisance and is unlawful.

3. Burn Barrels:

• The use of burn barrels, fine wire mesh, concrete block enclosures, or any other devices for burning garbage, rubbish, or combustible materials is strictly forbidden within Spring Valley’s city limits.

4. Recreational Fires:

• It is not unlawful to have an outdoor fire burning materials other than garbage or rubbish, provided the fuel is contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, barbeque grill, or barbeque pit.
• The total fuel area must not exceed three (3) feet in diameter and two (2) feet in height.
• Recreational fires are allowed for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth, or similar purposes.

5. Penalty:

• Violators of the ordinance may face fines ranging from twenty-five dollars ($25.00) to seven hundred and fifty dollars ($750.00) for each offense.

The City Council of Spring Valley, Bureau County, Illinois, presented, passed, and adopted the updated ordinance on July 17, 2023. The ordinance takes immediate effect upon its passage and publication in pamphlet form as provided by law.

For further information or inquiries, please contact the Spring Valley City Hall at 815.664.4221.

ABOUT SPRING VALLEY, ILLINOIS

About the City of Spring Valley: Spring Valley is a vibrant city located in Bureau County, Illinois. The city is committed to safeguarding its residents and the environment while promoting a sustainable and harmonious community. For more information about Spring Valley, visit www.springvalleyil.us.