Home

New Ordinances - Burning & Curfew

The City of West Peoria has recently enacted two new ordinances:    (1)  Effective Oct. 1, 2007, the open burning of rubbish, garbage, yard waste, and other combustible materials is illegal in West Peoria.  The ordinance allows for fines up to $750 per offense.    Permits must be obtained for construction site burning, bonfires (allowable only for organizations, not the general public), and prescribed burns.   Permits may require fees.  Also, the new ordinance does allow certain recreational burning if the fire is contained in an approved container such as an outdoor fireplace, barbecue pit, or campfire ring.  Burn barrels are not allowed for any of these purposes.    Commercially manufactured grills, smokers, and outside fireplaces do not require permits; but there are restrictions as to their use.    Permissible burning is subject to a variety of specific restrictions related to factors such as the size, duration, location, and supervision of the fire; the material used to kindle the fire; and the containers used.    This ordinance was passed to promote a healthier and safer environment for West Peoria residents.    (2)   The City of West Peoria's new curfew ordinance makes it illegal for minors (less than 17 years of age) to be present at or on any public assembly, building, business, street, highway, or other public place or way at the following times:  
  • Between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
  • Between 11:01 p.m. and 6 a.m. on Friday and Saturday  
  This ordinance allows for the defense of such a violation if the minor is accompanied by the child's parent, legal guardian, or custodian; or by a sibling, stepbrother, or stepsister at least 18 years of age; or by an adult (approved by the child's parent, guardian, or custodian) at least 21 years of age.    Another allowable defense includes participating in, going to, or returning from:  
  • Employment which the laws of this state authorize for a person less than 17 years of age to perform
  • A school recreational activity
  • A religious event  
  For further details and clarification concerning the terms of both the burning and curfew ordinances, contact City Hall at 674-1993 or visit the city's website at http://www.cityofwestpeoria.com/.