Lake County Adopts Yard Waste Burning Restrictions

New rules are in place for residents of unincorporated Lake County who burn landscape waste near , after the adoption of a pilot program that restricts such activity during the school day.

The amended ordinance was adopted Tuesday by the Lake County Board from nearby yards entering Stevenson.

“In essence, we have probably 5,000 people every day at Stevenson that are subjected to the smoke,” said County Board Chairman David Stolman, who called the ordinance “very, very important.”

The decision followed a and subsequent comment period that generated feedback from concerned residents.

“Given the location of the homes that are burning … there is literally smoke entering the building while students are required to be there,” board member Aaron Lawlor said. “I think what we have come up with is a good compromise that we can study and collect information on.”

Under the amended ordinance:

• Burning is permitted year round
• Burning is permitted on weekdays from 5 to 8 p.m., or sunset, whichever is earlier
• Burning is permitted on weekends from noon to 8 p.m., or sunset, whichever is earlier
• Leaves, brush, small branches, and similar materials may be burned during designated times
• Burning of grass clippings, tree trunks, garbage and debris is prohibited
• Recreational fires, campfires, ceremonial fires, grilling and self-contained burning devices are exempt from the regulations

The effectiveness of the program will be evaluated next year, officials said.