Burns on private property now require each homeowner to complete and submit an individual IEPA permit package. Each homeowner is responsible for completing and sending their own permit package to the IEPA. This is now the required process for burns on private property.
If homeowners wish to burn their native areas this fall, we recommend that the IEPA receive the completed application by Labor Day or shortly thereafter.
The IEPA staff in Springfield is small and receives many burn permit applications from across the state as burn season approaches. Expect the permit to arrive in the U.S. mail in approximately 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the volume of applications statewide.
Homeowners must complete the blank items in these parts of the IEPA Open Burning Permit Application:
Section 1. General Information
Section 2. Site Information on Burn Location
Section 3. Map(s)
Section 15. Authorized Signature
Signature requirements
Section 15 may be signed electronically in a PDF program such as Adobe, or it may be hand-signed and scanned as a document. A scanned signature is acceptable, and a verified electronic signature is also acceptable.
If the application is scanned as a document, the applicant may include the two maps required in Section 3 within that same scanned file. Please sign the application or it will be rejected automatically and returned by U.S. mail.
The IEPA requires maps that clearly show the burn site and nearby features. For individual homeowner properties, these are the recommended options.
Option A: Google Maps
Use Google Maps.
Type in your address and select satellite imagery. This may be the easiest online option because you can zoom in to the homeowner property and print the satellite image, which will also include street labels.
Option B: Google Earth
Use Google Earth.
Type in your address and zoom in so that planting beds are visible. Either print out a copy and circle the areas to be burned, or use the Path or Polygon function to mark the areas online, then save and print.
If tree canopy cover is blocking native planting areas, use the Historical Imagery function to select a satellite image without tree cover, such as a spring or fall image.
Option C: Lake County Maps Online
Use Lake County Maps Online.
Type in your address. This program offers many aerial tools and image options to select from. Print the map and circle the areas to be burned.
Option D: Plat of Survey
Print a copy of your Plat of Survey and hand-draw where you believe the burn zones are relative to the survey. The IEPA notes that a sketch is acceptable. However, Option A is probably the easiest and most accurate choice for most homeowners.
The best and quickest way to send the applicant’s permit form and map is by email.
To: EPA.BOA.OpenBurning@illinois.gov
CC: timothy.kelley@illinois.gov, eubanksinc@gmail.com
If the Prairie Crossing Environmental Manager is copied, David Eubanks can quickly review the permit submittal to make sure all information is in order and the files open correctly.
U.S. mail is another sending option if email is not preferred.
Upon receipt of the permit, send it to the Environmental Manager at eubanksinc@gmail.com.
A permit must be in hand before any burn can move forward.
On burn day, please submit your Notice of Intent to Burn Form by 9:00 AM whenever possible.
Resources
Foster Premier, Inc.
750 W. Lake Cook Rd., Suite 190
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
