Open fires ordinance for parks
Summary
The proposed ordinance regulating fire pits, BBQs and bonfires ran into fierce pushback: the 15 mph wind limit could make the new marina fire pits unusable, existing park barbecue areas don't meet the buffers, and residents called the rules burdensome. The council chose to open the fire pits now under city manager rules and rework the ordinance.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Nov 2, 2026.
Impact analysis
Permits and enforcement spread across four departments; fee decisions were deferred, and reservation costs are intended to stay low.
Park users gain clear, safer rules and access to the new marina fire pits without excessive bureaucracy.
Frequent park users say the original draft would have criminalized ordinary family barbecues and cultural fire traditions.
Mentions & discussions (2)
City Council - Nov 2, 2026
The proposed ordinance regulating fire pits, BBQs and bonfires ran into fierce pushback: the 15 mph wind limit could make the new marina fire pits unusable, existing park barbecue areas don't meet the buffers, and residents called the rules burdensome. The council chose to open the fire pits now under city manager rules and rework the ordinance.
City Council - Aug 17, 2026
The city's first comprehensive rules for fire pits, BBQs and bonfires in parks drew council concern that a family picnic BBQ shouldn't require a permit. It heads back to staff and the Life Enrichment subcommittee before a new first reading.
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