[RESIDENTIAL BURNING, cont.]

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I can't meet some or all of the burn rules, is there some other way I can burn legally?

Many of the burn rules are, in many cases, restrictive by design. By creating these rules, the State can reduce the amount of burning taking place in the urban areas, reducing both air pollution and fire risk. However, there are circumstances where the BCAA can allow an individual or company to burn outside of these rules.

A Special Burn Permit may be issued under specific circumstances. The permit has an associated fee that is assessed in two parts. First, there is a $50 non-refundable application fee that must accompany the written application. This allows the BCAA Inspector to process the application and if necessary, inspect the materials to be burned prior to burning. The application can either be accepted or rejected at this point. If accepted, there is an additional charge of no more than $8.50 per cubic yard of material to be burned. This second part of the fee is adjustable and open to some negotiation between the applicant and the Inspector. Once the fees have been paid, a permit is issued that is specific to the applicant's type of burning. The permit conditions often will allow more "burn days" than would be available under the urban are spring and fall burn windows.

If you would like to apply for a Special Burn Permit, the application can be downloaded and sent, along with the $55 fee, to the BCAA. If you have any questions, please contact us.