Local OWB regs?

TonyG · Aug 21, 2008

I've have a question for you OWB owners.

Let's say your a local township supervisor, you've had some people call in and express there concern over the increase in OWB usage. The board has decided to address this as follows.

We will not ban these units, however we must set up guidelines/rules for our people to follow so we can protect them from the potential inconsiderate OWB user.

I am the first in our township to install a wood burner, they have asked that I help them along with the regulating process, and I graciously agreed knowing I'm grandfathered for the most part, but won't hide behind this.

I'm here asking for your input, what would you have written in the proposal to protect you and your neighbors from the BillyBob that gets his paws on a OWB?

LTREES · Aug 21, 2008

Just what you said. Open with all existing operating wood-boilers within the township limits are grandfathered regardless of placement, repairs or chimney height. And are allowed to repair or replace said unit at the original site.

good luck w/ the rest. You should spell it out cause if they can twist your words around, they will.

LT

TheGrunt · Aug 21, 2008

Epa

If the township wants to go one route they could say only EPA rated OWB's could be used, which are cleaner and allow for much less smoke. But they are more expensive and will keep some people from putting them in. At least your good to go for now. I know that in my are there is talk about this also.

Butch(OH) · Aug 21, 2008

I am confused, there is concern over increase in usage but you have the only one in the township?

I would step aside from the official business of regulating myself if I were the only owner of said ghastly machine in the TWP. but would make comment as a resident.

Do you think the land commies will EVER realize that the blessed and beautiful country life style they are trying to protect, was built with no zoning laws to keep anyone from doing anything he wished with his land?? The problem is not with the machine my friends its with people. Why not regulate them and not the machine?

I have three neighbors with in 250' of my OWB, two years, zero complaints. Told them come to me so i can fix if smoke bothers them. I give them wood for free for campfires and cookouts, I mow there grass when their mowers break. I fix their cars when they wont start. They say why? I say because I may inconvenience you at times with a whiff of smoke. Told them last spring the EPA wants my stove. They said? Over THEIR dead bodies,,,not mine.

Now how ya going to regulate that?

I know, one puke moves in and it all goes down the drain. Hey! why not ban pukes??

TonyG · Aug 22, 2008

Butch,

I'm the first...not the only.
The local supervisors have taken a common sense approach to this potential problem, I find this refreshing.
There looking to prevent the railroad tie, telephone pole, garbage and tire burning types from ruining it for others looking to offset fuel oil cost.

It's easy to screw up the neighborhood with a crap fuel supply and an 8' stack. I understand Ohio is cracking down on this as well, however to harshly in my opinion and in the absence of common sense.

muncybob · Aug 22, 2008

Our twp. took the absurd approach by adopting a policy of being set back from the property line and nearest building 100'(I'm OK with that) but then stated all OWB's must have a 20' chimney!! I don't plan on an OWB for various reasons(although it was where I started when researching heating with wood) and I have no problem with OWB's as long as they are used properly! The statement of regulating the people and not the machines is probably where they need to start. Burn only appropriate "fuels" and respect your neighbors. Many times an OWB is creating neighbor problems and can be "fixed" to mutual staisfaction if the owner used the unit they way it was intended.
I'm lucky in that I have nobody living within 1/2 mile of me but even if I did I would be sure that my smoke was manageed properly.