County prosecutor says proposed fireworks ordinance too restrictive; public hearing record closed

The commission opened and then closed a public hearing on a proposed countywide fireworks ordinance Wednesday after hearing from County Prosecutor Rachel Romano, who said the current draft is unduly restrictive and likely contains drafting errors.

Romano, speaking in her personal capacity and not as prosecutor for the county, read portions of the proposed ordinance and said paragraph (a) appears to permit fireworks only on July Fourth and New Year’s holidays (and possibly a preceding weekend), and paragraph (b) appears to prohibit fireworks within 500 linear feet of any residential structure — language she said would amount to “a de facto ban” for many residents. Romano also raised concern about paragraph (c), which she read as imposing a mandatory $1,000 fine for conviction rather than a discretionary fine “up to $1,000.” Romano said she had not personally received complaints in her official role but that the ordinance, as drafted, seems too strict and that compromise language was possible.

Commissioners closed the public hearing after asking whether anyone else wished to speak; staff noted the ordinance will return for additional readings and revisions. Commissioners discussed possible changes including making the fine discretionary (up to $1,000) and clarifying the 500-linear-foot restriction to avoid effectively banning fireworks on many residential lots. No final ordinance vote was taken; the commission noted the second reading will appear on the July 18 agenda.