Outdoor furnace limits considered

Some people are looking at outdoor wood- or coalburning furnaces for home heating, hoping to trim utility bills that skyrocket in the winter months.

Coudersport Borough is among the growing number of local governments considering ordinances that limit the types of furnaces that can be used.

Goal of the proposed regulations is to prevent the furnaces from becoming a health and safety hazard and/or public nuisance.

These furnaces are typically located close to the home, with the heat delivered into the structure through an underground pipe. Emissions are vented into the air.

Coudersport's proposed ordinance would regulate

chimney height and proximity to neighboring property, while limiting use of the furnaces between April 15 and Oct. 12.

A public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, at the borough's meeting offices.