Subject:
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Consider amending and re-enacting Title 5, Chapter 2 of the Harrisonburg City Code, Fire Protection and Prevention
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Presented By: City Staff
Recommendation and Review
The purpose of this proposed ordinance is to provide a buffer zone between combustible landscaping mulch and combustible siding on certain types of buildings, most notably multiple family dwellings. Between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2014, HFD responded to 211 calls for fires originating in combustible landscaping. Sixteen of those fires damaged structures. Nine of those fires involved multiple family dwellings. The fires resulted in over $1 million in damages. The proposed ordinance would not apply to single family dwellings unless used as child care or adult care facilities.