Chapter 8.108 — OPEN FIELD ASPARAGUS BURNING

The purpose of this chapter is to establish regulations for open-field burning of asparagus in the Coachella Valley. Unregulated burning may significantly reduce air quality, thereby requiring controls over the method, time and days for allowing for such activity.

(Ord. 642 § 1, 1987)

Burning shall be allowed only in the months of November, December and January, and then only on those days determined by the local National Weather Service to be favorable burn days or on days not otherwise

excluded by this chapter.

(Ord. 642 § 2, 1987)

No permit for open-field asparagus burning shall be issued for weekends, national or state holidays, or major public events (e.g., golf tournaments, balloon festivals) as determined by the enforcement authority.

(Ord. 642 § 3, 1987)

All burning, pursuant to this chapter, shall be commenced between the hours of eleven a.m. to two p.m. Burning commenced prior to two p.m. may continue to four p.m., at which time all burning must be complete.

(Ord. 642 § 4, 1987)

Prior to any open field asparagus burn, a permit must be issued by the nearest fire station. It is the responsibility of any individual or entity preparing to burn to contact the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) the morning of any actual burning and obtain permission for such activity, and thereafter, notice must be given to the local fire station that issued the permit.

(Ord. 642 § 5, 1987)

Wherever possible. fields shall first be ignited on the downwind perimeter side, followed by igniting the remainder of the perimeter.

(Ord. 642 § 6, 1987)

Riverside County fire department shall be responsible for issuance of permits/permission to burn and shall issue citations to individuals/entities who conduct such burning without first obtaining the required permit/permission.

(Ord. 642 § 7, 1987)

Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of an infraction and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by: (1) a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100.00); (2) a fine not exceeding two hundred dollars ($200.00) for the second violation within one year; (3) a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500.00) for each additional violation after the second violation within one year. Each day such violation is committed or permitted to continue shall constitute a separate offense.

(Ord. 642 § 8, 1987)