While waiting in line to pay for gas yesterday, I glanced at the newspaper rack and spotted an ominous-sounding headline on the front page of the Akron Beacon Journal: “New tire rules could close Akron shops.”
“Wow!” I thought. “What’s going on here?”
I plunked down a couple of bucks to learn more. (Who says dramatic headlines aren't effective?)
Turns out that "The Rubber City's" municipal council passed a rule that is designed to reduce “the maximum size of a pile of tires, which can be stacked no higher than eight feet, from 2,500 to 2,000 cubic feet,” according to the story.
“A pile of tires placed outside must be at least 25 feet from any structure - including the tire shop - or (a dealership’s) property line,” the article went on to say.
“If the piles have more than 500 tires - which is what the state allows - then the buffers must be at least 56 feet. The same distances must be kept between the neat piles.”
Under the program, dealers also must pay $50 for an annual inspection performed by the Akron fire department. Those who are found to be in violation of the new ordinance will receive a two- to four-week grace period to bring their locations into a compliant state.
However, city-issued permits could be revoked “anytime officials spot an issue throughout the year.”
Furthermore, “third-degree misdemeanor charges could be brought against any owner who flouts the new law.”
Several smaller, space-constrained dealers made their displeasure with the new rule known throughout the rest of the article.
One remarked, “We don’t have room inside to store 300 or 400 tires that are scrap.” (You can access the full report here.)
Are you up-to-speed on local scrap tire ordinances in your city or in the other towns where you have locations? Do your store managers know who to contact if they have questions or concerns about scrap tire compliance?
I’m sure most - if not all - of you are already “on” this. But it probably never hurts to check - just in case.
