Three towns enact and consider new local regulatory measures
Read, Watch or Listen
North Bennington, Vermont; Fresno County, California; and Westerly, Rhode Island each moved this week on local ordinances: on July 7 North Bennington Village Trustees adopted an open burning and waste incineration ordinance effective 60 days after adoption; Fresno County unanimously approved the MEHKO ordinance on June 30 with a final public vote scheduled for July 14 at 9:30 a.m.; and Westerly's Town Council passed an emergency ordinance Monday implementing odd-even outdoor water restrictions after an earlier emergency ban. The measures immediately set rules, permits, and enforcement: North Bennington's ordinance restricts open burning while allowing permitted campfires and vegetation burns under conditions; Fresno's MEHKO move advances legal pathways for home-based food entrepreneurs with a public hearing at the Hall of Records where proponents such as Genoveva Islas argued it would expand opportunities; Westerly's ordinance enforces odd-even watering for addresses, extends to Pawcatuck users on the system, cites a recent 4-inch main separation at state beach property and establishes fines for violations as officials work with the state on repairs.
Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.
Timeline of Events
- June 30, 2025: Fresno County Board unanimously approved the MEHKO ordinance to continue the pilot program.
- July 3, 2025: Westerly's odd-even outdoor water schedule was cited as an active restriction (example date).
- July 7, 2025: North Bennington Village Trustees voted to adopt the open burning ordinance, effective in 60 days.
- A few weeks before the Westerly council meeting: a 4-inch main separation at state beach property required state repair work.
- Monday (this week): Westerly Town Council passed an emergency ordinance restricting outdoor water use; Fresno County set a final MEHKO vote for July 14 at 9:30 a.m.
Why This Matters to You
These local ordinances impact everyday life. In North Bennington, you'll need permits for certain types of outdoor fires. Fresno County residents can explore new home-based food businesses. And in Westerly, watch your watering schedule to avoid fines. Check your town's website for specific rules and permits.
The Bottom Line
Local regulations can change the way we live and work. They're designed to protect safety, promote economic growth, and conserve resources. Stay informed and adapt to these changes. Worth forwarding if you know someone in these areas.
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Residents and public health benefited from reduced smoke and nuisance risks in North Bennington; home-based entrepreneurs, including immigrants, parents and caregivers, could gain legal income opportunities under Fresno County's MEHKO proposal; Westerly's ordinance aims to protect municipal water supply and service continuity.
Individuals who previously disposed of solid waste via open burning will face new restrictions; prospective and existing home food operators must comply with ordinance rules pending final vote; Westerly homeowners face limits on outdoor water use and potential fines for violations.
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Three towns enact and consider new local regulatory measures
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