SUMMERDALE, Alabama — As of next month, the town of Summerdale will have updated burn-policy regulations.

During its regular meeting last week, the Summerdale Town Council approved the updates, which will go into effect the second week in June. They include requiring those who burn debris on their own property within town limits, after obtaining a permit to do so, to keep the fire away from the property line and at least 350 feet from a combustible structure or wooden fence.

As previously reported, the update came after the Town Council discussed confusion about the existing regulations during its regular workshop both earlier this month and last month. Those discussions led to a meeting with the Summerdale Volunteer Fire Department about the matter.

Also as previously reported, the issue first came before the Council last month when Wilson said that despite a burn-permit ordinance, people had been burning debris on their property without acquiring a permit. That discussion led to the need to tweak the ordinance, with input from the Summerdale Volunteer Fire Department. It also led the Council to add Public Works Director Lee Irwin to the list of contacts for a permit, which also includes Summerdale Fire Chief John Resmondo and placing a call to Town Hall. In addition, town officials said the need to contact the town for a burn permit is especially important to ensure that a statewide burn ban is not in place.

“There will be a copy of this to be mailed out to everybody on their utility bills,” Wilson said of the revised ordinance.

Also, last week the council:

• Amended its zoning ordinance to permit a utility building to be placed within five feet of property lines.
• Amended its smoking ordinance to include electronic cigarettes.
• Approved an ordinance that states Summerdale will take part in the School Sales Tax Holiday, which is set for Aug. 2-4.
• Approved a proclamation recognizing May as Motorcycle Awareness Month.