To burn or not to burn: That is the question.
At least that’s a puzzling question many Allegan County residents will be grappling with at the start of spring, when they rake their yards of leaves, debris, waste and grass clippings. Last year, county residents had a handy on-line service in which they could get their permits without much hassle.

But that is no longer the case. State law says the county cannot authorize burning permits because it does not have a county-wide burn ordinance, so residents instead must contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

So does that mean everybody has to call a number for the DNR?
Allegan County Commissioner Don Black Wednesday evening told the Martin Township he and his colleagues are working on a measure for each local township to adopt a burn ordinance in order to have the authority to grant burning permits.
“The law says if you don’t have a burn ordinance, you need to establish one,” he said. “Some townships already have contacted the DNR. Some have burn ordinances, some don’t.”
Martin Township Fire Chief John Schippers, who is serving on a subcommittee handling the matter, said those who call on the phone eventually could be guided to the appropriate municipality.
But Black said he and fellow commissioners would like to transition all of it to being handled by local townships.
Making things even more confusing is what appears on the DNR’s web site, which states:
“The burning of logs, stumps, trees, and brush is not allowed within 1,400 feet of a city or village under DEQ air quality rules. In general, state law allows burning of leaves and grass clippings in municipalities of under 7,500 people, but not in communities of greater population.

“However, local ordinances may prohibit burning in smaller communities, and larger communities may opt to allow burning leaves and grass clippings through local ordinances. So, be sure to check with your local community to find out what the rules are where you will be burning.”

Burn permits are issued only for limbs, brush, stumps, evergreen needles, leaves and grass.

Items that can never be burned due to air quality regulations include demolition debris, construction materials, automotive parts, household trash that contains plastic, rubber, foam, chemically treated wood, textiles, electronics, chemicals or hazardous materials.