Ordinance No. 838: Outdoor Furnace

Ordinance No. 838: Outdoor Furnace Regulations (Hollidaysburg, PA)

This ordinance establishes rules for outdoor furnaces in the Borough of Hollidaysburg to protect public health, safety, and welfare by reducing air pollution and nuisance conditions.

Purpose & Authority

• Regulates construction, operation, and maintenance of outdoor furnaces within borough limits.
• Protects residents’ right to clean air free from particulate matter, odors, fumes, and debris.
• Addresses health risks: smoke can cause or worsen cardiovascular and respiratory ailments.
• Based on Section 53 P.S. 46202 (6), Health and Cleanliness Regulations.

Key Definitions

• EPA: United States Environmental Protection Agency.
• Front yard: Extends full width of front lot line to required building line; on corner/through lots, along all street frontages.
• Rear yard: Open space from rear of main building to rear lot line across entire lot width.
• Side yard: Space between side of building and side lot line, from front to rear yard.
• Structure: Anything constructed or attached to ground — buildings, sheds, manufactured homes, swimming pools.
• Outdoor furnace: Equipment located outside living space, designed to provide heat via water or other means to structures/appliances.

Placement & Emission Rules

• Must be at least 150 feet from nearest point of intersection of adjacent property owner’s structure.
• Must be at least 100 feet from nearest point of intersection of another property owner’s property line.
• Must meet current EPA emission standards (adopted by reference, including future amendments).
• Must be located only in rear yards — not front or side yards.
• Minimum flue height: 20 feet.

Prohibited Fuels & Materials

No burning under any circumstances of:

• Household/commercial garbage or waste
• Tires
• Paint and paint thinners
• Construction/demolition debris
• Plywood, particle board, or composite wood products
• Manure
• Asphalt products
• Rubber products
• Petroleum products
• Animal carcasses
• Leaves
• Wet, painted, varnished, coated, pressure-treated, or preservative/resin/glue-containing wood; railroad ties
• Recyclable plastics (nylon, PVC, ABS, polystyrene, urethane foam, synthetic fabrics, films, containers)
• Newspapers, cardboard, or paper with ink/dye

Usage & Storage Requirements

• Furnaces may only be used to furnish heat and hot water to a structure during October 1 through April 30.
• Firewood or fuel must be neatly stacked and stored under cover.
• Ashes or waste must be stored in a sealed container.

Permitting Process

• No installation or operation without first obtaining a permit.
• Application must be submitted in writing to the Borough Secretary, along with fee (set by Council), at least 20 days before desired installation date.
• Forms available on Borough website and at Borough Office during business hours.
• Must submit proof that furnace meets EPA emission standards.
• Must also submit manufacturer’s recommended operating parameters and installation instructions.

Enforcement & Penalties

• Borough Manager or designee may inspect grounds for compliance.
• If noncompliance constitutes a nuisance or threatens public health/safety, written notice will be issued via certified mail (or posted if owner unknown).
• Notice must specify condition and require rectification within 30 days of mailing/posting.
• Violations punishable by fine up to $1,000 per offense. Each day of continued violation is a separate offense.

Effective Date

• Ordinance takes effect and is enforced as of the date of enactment: January 8, 2009.

Signatures & Approval

• Ordained and enacted by Borough of Hollidaysburg on January 8, 2009.
• Signed by John P. Stultz, Jr., President.
• Attested by Ann M. Andrews, Secretary.
• Approved by Mayor Joseph R. Dodson on January 9, 2009.