Model Ordinance for Local Governments

DNR has published a new model ordinance open burning and outdoor burning. In 2003 the DNR initiated an extensive stakeholder involvement effort related to open burning and backyard dumping. The DNR Steering Group Report (PDF, 140 KB) was presented to the Natural Resources Board in December, 2003. One of the major recommendations of that report was "that the DNR develop a model ordinance containing suggestions and options for local governments to regulate open burning at the local level."

• Model Ordinance
  Publication AM-356-2004
  • PDF Format (PDF, 343K)
    
  • Word Format (DOC, 387K)

The model ordinance was prepared to assist Wisconsin counties, cities, villages and towns in adopting local regulations related to outdoor burning and burning of refuse. The model is intended to assist these units of government in enacting their own ordinances and is meant to be advisory only. This publication was prepared in cooperation with the Wisconsin Towns Association, the Wisconsin Counties Association, the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, the American Lung Association of Wisconsin.

It is intended that a municipality "pick and choose" from among the various suggested provisions to meet its particular local needs. The only constraint is that a municipality may not enact an ordinance that's less stringent than state law.