Stanton adopts social-host ordinance making property owners liable for illegal fireworks

The Stanton City Council on April 22 adopted Ordinance No. 1163, a social-host law that holds property owners — including absentee landlords and commercial property owners — responsible for illegal fireworks and certain fireworks violations occurring on their property. The measure passed on a 5-0 roll-call vote.

Supporters told the council the change is intended to address longstanding enforcement challenges: officers and code enforcement frequently cannot catch people lighting fireworks “in the act,” and evidence can be destroyed or concealed before staff can respond. The new ordinance allows staff to use photographic, video and drone evidence to issue citations after the fact and gives code enforcement 60 days to issue citations based on collected evidence.

City staff said the goal is to reduce public-safety calls, fire hazards and quality-of-life impacts that have concentrated on thoroughfares and streets. The city will distribute written notices to property owners and business-license holders advising them of the ordinance and advising how to notify staff when they are proactively trying to address a problem. Staff said citations will carry an appeal process similar to other code enforcement citations.

Council members asked how the ordinance will treat multifamily complexes and absentee owners. Staff replied that property owners are liable regardless of whether they live on the parcel; owners can work with managers and tenants to prevent violations, and an appeal process remains available for owners who receive citations. Staff also said some business-license sanctions are possible where commercial properties are involved, including potential revocation for storing or selling illegal fireworks.

During the council discussion, members highlighted outreach plans: staff reported they will mail notices to property owners on record, circulate notices through city social media, and prepare mailers specifically for multifamily owners. Staff said public-safety personnel will focus enforcement efforts on historically high-frequency locations after the July 4 season and that enforcement will emphasize accuracy to avoid erroneous citations.

The council motion to adopt the ordinance was made and seconded; the clerk recorded a 5-0 vote to adopt Ordinance No. 1163.

Ending: The ordinance takes effect according to the municipal code’s standard timelines for adoption; staff said they will begin owner notification and public education in advance of the next July 4 season.