Outdoor Wood-Burning Boiler Discussion

On February 25, 2025, staff and City Council had a discussion regarding outdoor wood-burning boilers (OWB) because of an ongoing complaint by a resident. There have been questions about the regulations surrounding this type of heating system and concerns about potential air quality, especially for individuals that may have underlying health issues. City Council directed staff to prepare an educational article for the Ramsey Resident and for the Environmental Policy Board to discuss the ordinance.  

An article was placed in the May/June 2025 Ramsey Resident. On August 18, 2025, the Environmental Policy Board (EPB) had a discussion and staff from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) presented information. The presentation can be viewed through QCTV.  The MPCA made suggestions to better regulate the use of OWB. However, the majority of the suggestions don't address the ongoing complaint/issue. The MPCA briefly discussed the use of the purple air-sensor to show particle levels. The readings could potentially be used to declare the OWB a nuisance. However, in the case of an ongoing issue, the purple air-sensor reports show very brief episodes of high particle levels which may be difficult to enforce under the nuisance code.  

Some suggestions include:
Require permits (other than mechanical) to install OWB (doesn't address current issue)
Require EPA Certification on all newly installed OWB's (doesn't address current issue)
Increase setbacks and lot size requirements (doesn't address current issue)
Ban future OWB's (doesn't address current issue)
Require the removal at time of sale of property (will help with current issues in the future)
Require best maintenance practices, such as annual chimney sweep, woodsheds (to keep wood dry) and regulating the burning of clean dried wood (requires the use of a moisture meter)

Over the past three (3) years, the Ramsey Police Department has received complaints from the resident regarding the smoke from the neighboring outdoor wood-burning boiler. Complaint numbers are as follows:
2024 - 5; 2025 - 6; 2026 - 8 (January/February numbers). 

 

Not Applicable

If City Council gives direction to update the city code, staff will begin the amendment process. The process could take up to 3 to 4 months. Staff will work with MPCA staff and the City Attorney as part of the process.

Alternatives:
1. Direct staff to update the city code
2. Direct staff to leave the city code as is
 

Not applicable - performed as part of staff's normal duties.

Staff recommends direction from City Council to either amend the city code or leave the code as is.

Provide staff with direction regarding the regulation of OWB's.