Despite protests from its own fire chief, the City of Aurora may revisit its ban on balcony grilling.
The consideration came after heated speeches from two Aurora residents this month. . If Aurora lifts the ban, it would follow in the footsteps of its neighbor to the east, Naperville, which dropped its ordinance in December.
Aurora’s law outlaws “open flame” cooking devices on combustible balconies, or within 10 feet of combustible construction. Exempt from the rule are electric or small propane grills that use one-pound cylinders. One- or two-family dwellings, such as town homes, are also exempt.
Protests came from Aurora residents Nick Jarmusz and Chris Novak, who attributed most grilling dangers to operator error.
“Careless people exist everywhere,” Novak said. “When did we start taking rights away from the many to protect the few?”
Novak and Jarmusz asked the council to reconsider the grilling law after Aurora Fire Marshal Gary Pozzi began enforcing the law, which has been on the books since 2001.
They were also reacting to Naperville’s decision to overturn its ban.
Jarmusz, who has lived in his east side apartment since June 2005, frequently uses a propane grill on his deck.
In December, Pozzi sent notices to all Aurora multi-unit complex managers to disseminate to their residents.
