[HISTORY: Adopted by the Borough Council
of the Borough of Paramus 5-11-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-18. Amendments noted
where applicable.]
The Borough of Paramus recognizes that burning wood is an economic
and popular means of heating and cooking. At the same time, the storage
and processing of firewood can be a nuisance to abutting residents.
The Borough deems that the health and welfare of the general public
requires certain measures for the storage and processing of firewood
in the Borough.
As used in this chapter:
A pile of unfinished cut logs.
An operation used for the purpose of processing felled trees
and timber delivered from off-site locations into firewood with the
intent to sell to others. Operations include, but are not limited
to cutting, splitting, drying, stacking, bundling, delivery, loading,
processing, and storage. This definition shall not include the processing
of trees into firewood on the lot or parcel where they are grown.
A stack of wood 16 inches wide by 8 feet long by 4 feet high.
Any wood or wood product that has been processed for use
as heating or cooking fuel. Painted or treated wood shall not be considered
firewood.
Firewood that is disorderly and awaiting stacking.
Firewood that is piled in a neat, secure, and orderly arrangement.
Uncut tree trunks or branches that are awaiting processing
into firewood.
No person shall engage in the business of Commercial Firewood
Processing without first obtaining a license therefor. The license
shall require annual renewal and cost $100. The license shall be in
affect from January 1 through December 31. The licensing and fee requirements
set forth herein shall commence on January 1, 2022.
No person shall engage in the business of Commercial Firewood
Processing without first providing proof of insurance, including statutory
workers' compensation insurance, motor vehicle insurance for each
motor vehicle used in providing the firewood processing services,
and liability insurance for both personal injury and property damage
in an amount not less than $1,000,000 for personal injuries and $500,000
for property damage.
Every applicant for a license under this chapter shall complete
an annual application form furnished by the Borough Clerk. The completed
form shall be accompanied with the $100 annual fee payment.
Every license issued shall be displayed in a conspicuous place
on the premises for the period that said license shall be in force.
A.
A commercial operator may store logs awaiting processing in cold
decks. Cold decks shall be limited in size of 40 feet in length by
12 feet in height. Cold decks shall be designated on-site and shall
be kept orderly.
B.
Logs that are processed into firewood shall be stored in firewood
stacks. Firewood stacks shall not exceed 15 feet in height. Firewood
stacks shall be secured to ensure stability.
C.
Commercial firewood processing yards shall be maintained in an orderly fashion and is further subject to the provisions of Chapter 339, Property Maintenance. Debris or dirt from the firewood processing activities shall not litter Borough streets or neighboring properties. All brush, debris and refuse from the firewood processing activities shall be promptly and property disposed of and shall not remain on the premises.
D.
Commercial firewood processing yards shall be screened from view
of adjacent properties to ensure minimal visual impact. Proper screening
shall include, but not limited to, fencing and landscaping.
E.
Firewood placed for the purposes of drying, seasoning or storage
less than 100 feet from residentially zoned or used properties shall
be screened with plantings that provide a year-round visual screen
upon maturity. Firewood stacks for marketing purposes can be stored
in the front yard and are not subject to the screening requirements.
F.
No firewood stack or cold deck shall be stored within 10 feet from
a property line.
G.
Noise generated by the firewood processing shall not exceed the noise
standards established by ordinance for the Borough of Paramus.
H.
No vehicles associated with the firewood processing shall be parked
loading on any Borough or County Road.
I.
Outdoor storage of firewood stacks, firewood piles, or logs shall
be maintained so as not to harbor infestation of rodents or insects.
J.
No commercial firewood processing shall occur on Sunday.
[Amended 12-21-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-57]
A.
Firewood may be stored in firewood stacks upon a residential property
solely for use on the premises and not for re-sale.
B.
No person shall permanently store firewood piles in the front yard
on a residentially zoned property. Firewood stacks may be stored in
the front yard so long as the firewood is placed on a rack or structure
that measures no more than two feet in height, three feet in width,
and two feet in depth. Firewood stored on a rack or structure in the
front porch area shall not exceed 10% of the porch area and shall
not impede ingress or egress to the dwelling or create a hazard.
C.
A firewood pile may be temporarily stored in the front yard as it
awaits stacking.
D.
A firewood stack shall be placed no closer than two feet from property
line, shall not exceed six feet in height, and shall be a minimum
of four inches off the ground.
E.
Not more than 10% of the side yard and rear yard may be used for
storage of firewood at any one time.
F.
Firewood stacks shall be maintained so as not to harbor infestation
of rodents or insects.
Any person or business who violates any provision of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be subject to the penalties provided by § 1-15 of this Code.
