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Commission approves fireworks ordinance changes on first reading; limits sales to select holidays
Summary
City commissioners adopted, on first reading, revisions to the city code to regulate consumer-fireworks sales and temporary sales tents, restricting sales to specified holidays, limiting sales locations and using the temporary-use-permit process.
The City of Newberry commission voted to pass Ordinance 2025-08 (LDR25-02) on first reading, updating the city’s fireworks rules to regulate temporary tent sales, permitted sale days and local permitting requirements.
Stacy Hector, presenting staff recommendations, told the commission the ordinance aligns local rules with recent state changes while adding local controls for tent sales, building- and fire-safety review, and limits on sale days. Hector said the changes would use the city’s temporary-use-permit process to review tents and require property-owner consent for tent placement.
Key points in the proposed amendments: temporary sales would be allowed only during a defined three-week sales window before the designated holiday and must conclude one week after the holiday; the ordinance as drafted permits consumer fireworks sales around New Year’s Eve/Day and Independence Day (and staff asked commissioners whether to add other holidays); temporary sales would be limited to two permitted sales locations per holiday unless the commission modifies that limit; retail (brick-and-mortar) businesses are treated separately and would be subject to standard retail/fire codes; the ordinance contains an agricultural exception for on-farm uses; and the city reserves the right to conduct public fireworks displays.
Commissioners asked about enforcement, whether residents could set up temporary sales in residential areas and whether the sales period should be lengthened or shortened. Jason Lyman (Newberry Fire Department) and staff told the commission the temporary-use-permit review lets building and fire inspectors review tent construction and fire-safety measures. A commissioner suggested adding Veterans Day as a permitted sale day; staff asked for direction on the number of permitted sales locations per holiday.
Outcome and next steps: The commission approved the ordinance on first reading and scheduled a second reading for June 9. Staff will refine the ordinance language based on the commission’s guidance and will return it for final adoption.
