Warwick regulates outdoor wood boilers as alternative heat source

Warwick — The Town Board unanimously approved a local law regulating outdoor wood boilers, an alternative way to heat homes and water. The board held a public hearing last month to listen to the concerns of residents regarding these wood boilers. The town has had two requests for permits to install wood boilers, which are becoming popular in rural areas. Outdoor wood boilers consist of a fire box, surrounded by a water reservoir housed in what resembles a small shed outside of the residence. A short chimney sits on top of the shed. The boiler is built to burn for many hours without tending from its owner, according to a lengthy report issued by the New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer in October. It works by heating water that is then pumped through insulated underground pipes into the house’s heating system. It is controlled by a thermostat. The town approved one permit to install an outdoor wood boiler with the stipulation that it must comply with this new local law within one year. These boilers may only be used in the rural, mountain, conservation and agriculture industrial zones, on properties with at least three acres. They may not be located less than 200 feet from the nearest neighboring dwelling or a minimum of 150 feet from the adjoining property line. Only firewood and untreated lumber is permitted as fuel. The chimney height must be four feet above the owner’s home roof line and the boiler may be operated between Sept. 1 and May 31 each year. A permit from the town’s Fire Marshall is required. Violators will face a $350 fine or six months in prison for a first offense. “Some municipalities have banned these outdoor wood boilers and some have regulated them,” said Supervisor Michael Sweeton. “There are some issues with health.” According to the Attorney General’s report, sales of outdoor wood boilers have increased threefold since 1999 when 600 were sold in New York State. In 2004, 1880 were sold. Prices, at least according to a quick Google search, show a range from $5,000 and $7,500. In New York, many local municipalities are developing regulations for the boilers. Many others have banned their use completely. The Attorney General’s report states that five towns have regulations on their books regarding setbacks, chimney height, population density and terrain, while 11 have banned their use.