Although outdoor solid-fuel furnaces may provide an economical
alternative to conventional heating systems, concerns have been raised
regarding the safety and environmental impacts of these heating devices,
particularly the production of offensive odors and potential health
effects of uncontrolled emissions. This chapter is intended to ensure
that outdoor solid-fuel furnaces are utilized in a manner that does
not create a nuisance and is not detrimental to the health, safety
and general welfare of the residents of the Town.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
CHIMNEY
Any vertical structure enclosing a flue or flues that carry
off smoke or exhaust from an outdoor solid-fuel furnace, especially
that part of such structures extending above a roof.
FIREWOOD
Trunks and branches of trees and bushes, but does not include
leaves, needles and vines or brush smaller than three inches in diameter.
FUEL
Any material used to produce heat or power by burning.
OUTDOOR SOLID-FUEL FURNACE
Any equipment, device, contrivance or apparatus, or any part
thereof, which is installed, affixed or situated out-of-doors for
the primary purpose of the combustion of fuel to produce heat or energy
used as a component of a heating system providing heat for any interior
space or water source. This includes any equipment, device or apparatus
which is UL listed and intended for outdoor use regardless if it is
placed in an enclosure such as a shed, barn, residence or any other
similar structure.
UNTREATED LUMBER
Dry wood which has been milled and dried but which has not
been treated or combined with any petroleum product, chemical, preservative,
glue, adhesive, stain, paint or other substance.
All outdoor devices shall be installed, operated and maintained
pursuant to the following conditions:
A. Fuel shall be only natural, untreated, wood, coal, wood products,
corn products or other fuels specifically permitted by the manufacturer.
B. The following fuels are strictly prohibited:
(1) Processed wood products, other than products specifically manufactured
for use in outdoor solid-fuel furnaces, and other nonwood products
not permitted by manufacturer, garbage, painted or treated wood, tires,
rubber, plastics, industrial waste, used motor oil, toxic chemicals,
contaminated waste, yard waste, household garbage, cardboard and waste
paper, animal waste and any material prohibited for combustion by
federal or state statute.
(2) Any other items not specifically allowed by the manufacturer or this
provision.
C. Device location.
(1) All outdoor solid-fuel furnaces shall be installed in the rear or
side yard.
(2) No outdoor solid-fuel furnace shall be installed in the front yard.
(3) All outdoor solid-fuel furnaces shall be installed a minimum of 30
feet from the nearest side or real property line.
(4) All outdoor solid-fuel furnaces shall be installed a minimum of 100
feet from the nearest inhabited structure not being supplied by said
device.
(5) All exterior storage of fuel for outdoor solid-fuel furnaces shall
be provided in the side or rear yard, and shall be stored in a manner
to prevent rodent harborage.
(6) All outdoor solid-fuel furnaces will be a minimum of 10 feet from
the primary structure being supplied service.
D. Chimney height.
(1) All outdoor solid-fuel furnaces located between 100 feet and 300
feet of a habitable structure not served by the device shall have
a chimney installed which extends a minimum of two feet higher than
the peak of the nonserved structure.
(2) All outdoor solid-fuel furnaces located more than 300 feet from a
habitable structure shall have a chimney installed in accordance with
manufacturer's instructions.
E. Spark arrestors. All outdoor furnaces shall be equipped with properly
functioning spark arrestors.
F. Standards for the installation. Any outdoor solid-fuel furnace, in
addition to any manufacturer's recommended installation requirements,
shall also be required to follow all Town, federal and state laws
regarding installation of said devices including the following:
(1) Installation upon a nominal four-inch-thick permanent, reinforced
cement pad in such dimension so as to allow a minimum of six inches
of exposed surface area along the perimeter of the unit.
(2) Installation of any electrical or plumbing apparatus or device used
in connection with the operation of an exterior furnace shall be in
conformity with all applicable electrical and plumbing codes and,
in the absence of such code, in conformity with the manufacturer's
installation specifications.
(3) To the fullest extent required by federal or state statutes, rules
and regulations and in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications,
the installation, maintenance and use of any outdoor solid-fuel furnace
shall be installed, maintained and generated in conformity therewith.