Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Highland Park Michigan BBQ ban has residents fuming

Passed in time for the Fourth of July weekend.

From The Detroit News: The ban prohibits BBQing and the
placement of any barbecue cooking or equipment ... in the front of a dwelling, on a front porch, or on the side of a dwelling shall not be permitted in the city," the ordinance reads. "For a corner dwelling or building, any barbecue equipment must be 12 feet away from a public right of way."

While backyards are not specifically named in the ban, the ordinance prohibits placing barbecue equipment in any fenced yard which is closer than 20 feet from a public right of way.

This of course could prevent most people from legally BBQing on their property in Highland Park this weekend. Violation is a misdemeanor with up to $90 days in jail or a $500 fine.

The City claims it is due to the bbq fires being a hazzard in the city but even a city fireman cited in the article can only remember on fire caused by an outdoor bbq in three years.

Hopefully this wasn't done out of some misguided attempt to cut down on carbon emissions in the city or worse because some councilperson is annoyed with a neighbor grilling.

Next maybe the City Council will propose ticketing people for parking on their driveways....

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