IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
AN ORDINANCE enacting section 5511., of the Jackson County Code, 1984, relating to prohibiting the open burning of household waste within Jackson County, Missouri, in accordance with state air quality laws, and establishing penalties for violations.
Intro
ORDINANCE NO. 6082, May 11, 2026
INTRODUCED BY Jalen Anderson, County Legislator
Body
WHEREAS, the open burning of household waste produces harmful air pollutants, including particulate matter and toxic emissions that pose risks to public health and the environment; and,
WHEREAS, the improper burning of trash creates fire hazards and nuisance conditions that negatively impact neighboring properties and the broader community; and,
WHEREAS, prohibiting the burning of household waste is consistent with established practices in surrounding communities and supports regional air quality and public safety efforts; and,
WHEREAS, any provisions later deemed to be invalid do not affect remaining sections and are severable; and,
WHEREAS, this ordinance and corresponding code additions will be effective upon passage and approval; now therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED by the County Legislature of Jackson County as follows:
Section A. Enacting Clause. Section 5511., of the Jackson County Code, 1984, is hereby enacted, to read as follows:
5511. Purpose
The purpose of this ordinance is to protect public health, safety, and environmental quality by prohibiting the open burning of household waste.
5511.1 Authority
This ordinance is adopted pursuant to the authority granted under RSMo Chapters 49 and 192, and in alignment with the Missouri Air Conservation Law, RSMo § 643.010 et seq., and regulations promulgated thereunder, including 10 CSR 10-6.045.
5511.2 Definitions
Household Waste is defined as refuse generated from residential or commercial sources.
Open Burning is defined as combustion emitting directly into the air.
Recreational Fire is defined as small controlled fire for pleasure or cooking.
Clean Wood is defined as untreated wood.
5511.3 Prohibition
It shall be unlawful to burn household waste, including plastics, rubber, treated wood, garbage, construction debris, or furniture.
5511.4 Compliance with State Law
All burning activities must comply with Missouri Department of Natural Resources regulations. Violations may be referred for enforcement under RSMo § 643.151 and related provisions.
5511.5 Permitted Fires
Recreational fires, cooking fires, agricultural burning where permitted, and authorized training fires are allowed, provided no nuisance or hazard is created.
5511.6 Nuisance.
Any fire producing excessive smoke or hazard may be ordered extinguished.
5511.7 Enforcement.
Enforced by county officials, fire districts, and law enforcement. Violations may be referred to state authorities.
5511.8 Penalties.
Violations subject to fines up to $500 per offense; each day constitutes a separate offense.
Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This Ordinance shall be effective immediately upon its signature by the County Executive.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
__________________________
County Counselor
I hereby certify that the attached ordinance, Ordinance No. 6082 introduced on May 11, 2026, was duly passed on ______________________, 2026 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas _______________ Nays _______________
Abstaining ___________ Absent _____________
This Ordinance is hereby transmitted to the County Executive for his signature.
____________________ ________________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature
I hereby approve the attached Ordinance No. 6082.
____________________ ________________________________
Date Phil LeVota, County Executive