City tables request to install fire pit in city parking lot behind Water Street Townhomes

The request to install a fire pit on the city parking lot behind the Water Street Townhouses was tabled this month by the Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety.

City Attorney Jeff Houin told the Board that the developer, Kevin Berger, contacted him to see if it was permissible to install a 24-inch diameter fire pit in the parking area. Houin said it is permissible on private property.  Although the townhomes are located on private property, the parking lot behind them is owned by the city.

Burger told the board the fire pit option has been popular with other residential developments he’s created in the last several years.  He said the 24-inch ring would sit on a concrete island in the parking lot and would be surrounded by concrete and paving. 

Board member Dave Morrow asked how close the fire pit would be to a structure, and Burger estimated 8 to 10 feet.  Morrow said the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends a distance of 25 feet.  Since the request is to have the fire pit on city property, Morrow was not in favor of the request and made a motion to deny it.  His motion was seconded by Duane Culp, who said his concern was the liability to the city.

Before taking the vote, Mayor Listenberger asked if there was additional discussion, and he said, “I don’t have an issue with this. I know other communities do it. Bremen does it. I feel it’s an added amenity.” 

Art Jacobs, the city’s insurance advisor and member of the Plymouth Volunteer Fire Department, reminded the board that fire pits are in the city park.

Councilman Morrow withdrew his motion to allow the request to be tabled for additional information, and that tabled motion was unanimously passed by the Board of Public Works and Safety.