EH Open Burning

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Environmental Health

Open Burning Home

Summary of Ordinance

Open Burning Ordinance

Native Landscape

Composting

Mulching

Other Alternatives

Exemptions/Permits

Municipal Restrictions Map

Enforcement

FAQs

McHenry County’s Revised Ordinance

Open Burning of Landscape Waste

Effective April 1, 2008

Approved by the McHenry County Board on December 2, 2007, the new Ordinance applies to both incorporated and unincorporated areas of McHenry County.

If you live in a city with more stringent restrictions, the more restrictive rules apply.

Landscape waste is defined as

“All accumulation of grass or shrubbery cuttings, leaves, flowers and weeds”.

SOURCE: McHenry County Public Health Ordinance

Article III, Section 1.29

History of the Open Burning Forum

The County Administrator established the open Burning Forum in December 2004 to review the current open burning restrictions in McHenry County and develop recommendations for consideration by the McHenry County Board. The Forum was comprised of county citizens and representatives from local organizations, law enforcement, fire protection districts, townships, McHenry County Board, McHenry County Department of Health, and McHenry County Department of Planning & Development. Over an approximately two (2) year period, the Forum held regular open meetings and discussed the many issues related to open burning. Ultimately, the Forum drafted the revised Ordinance for consideration by the McHenry County Board. Three (3) public meetings were held to obtain public comment on the proposed Ordinance. The revised Ordinance was approved by the McHenry County Board at its December 4, 2007 meeting and will become effective April 1, 2008.