DRAFT WORDING

Definition: WOOD, WOOD PILE or WOOD STACK: Wood intended and prepared for the personal use of household residents in a fireplace, wood stove, or fire box.

1004.03 Exterior Property and Structure Exterior Standards

M. Placement of Wood, Wood Piles or Wood Stacks. The use of renewable resources including wood is increasing. In order to protect public health and safety, wood piles must be erected, located, and maintained in a safe and orderly fashion. In order to prevent, reduce or eliminate potential blight in the Village, wood or any wood product intended and prepared for the personal use of household residents in a fireplace, wood stove, or fire box shall meet the following restrictions. This includes any R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, PUD, or any other property used for residential purposes:

1. Wood piles/stacks shall not be permitted in any front yard.

2. Wood piles/stacks must be elevated off the ground to deter harborage of rodents, vermin and insects. (Lucas County Board of Health's Rodent, Insect and Pest Control Regulations, Section 5)

3. Must be stacked in neat and secure stacks so that they do not become a danger to the public or a nuisance in any way. A maximum of no more than five (5) cords of wood shall be allowed on the premises at any one time.

4. The overall dimensions of a wood pile/stack shall correspond to a "cord" of wood (4x4x8). For a 5 cord maximum, the wood pile shall not exceed a 160 square foot area.

5. Shall be stacked at least five (5) feet from any neighboring lot line, unless the neighbor has given written permission to place such stack on the lot line.

6. Corner Lots. For this purpose, the address of a property on a corner lot will determine the front yard. The other yard abutting a public roadway will be considered a side yard.

7. Existing Wood Piles/Stacks. Any wood pile/stack in existence as of the effective date of this Chapter which does not comply with the provisions of this Section must be removed or placed in compliance with this Section within four (4) months after written notice to comply by the Zoning Administrator. Such notice shall be in writing and shall be served upon the property owner either in person or by mail.

8. Wood stacks that are kept in an enclosed structure are exempt from the conditions outlined above.