County approves multiple seasonal fireworks permits; commissioners impose and clarify conditions after dispute over prior violations

The Laramie County Board of County Commissioners approved multiple seasonal and annual fireworks permits at its April 15 meeting, and added or reaffirmed conditions intended to address safety and prior compliance problems.

Permits approved included applications from J and R Landis Enterprises LLC (doing business as USA Fireworks), Wyoming Fireworks Warehouse LLC (doing business as Wyoming Fireworks Warehouse) and four permits submitted by Seasonal Sales Incorporated (formerly a sole‑proprietor application under Brianna Elliott, doing business as Jurassic Fireworks/Artillery World). Each approval passed on roll call with Commissioners Heath, Hollingshead, Thompson, Zwonitzer and Chairman Malm voting aye.

County Fire Warden Matt Butler reported inspections for each site were complete and signatures obtained. County Attorney Martin Voss described a set of conditions the county has imposed following an injunction issued the prior year; those conditions are now routinely attached to new seasonal‑stand approvals. Voss summarized the conditions as limiting amplified advertising noise and preventing employees or promoters from stepping into the roadway to advertise (and preventing elevated‑platform advertising), and otherwise keeping promotional activity on the stand property to reduce traffic hazards.

Seasonal Sales/Artillery World drew the most discussion. Counsel Bruce Acey said the new applicant is Seasonal Sales Incorporated, not the previously denied sole proprietor application, and that manager Frank Elliott had submitted paperwork withdrawing himself from managerial operations. Dan Peters, Laramie County chief building official, said building‑code issues that led to an earlier denial (enclosed walkways and open fire doors between buildings) had been corrected and the enclosures removed.

County counsel and the applicant agreed to an additional set of conditions specific to the Seasonal Sales permits: Frank Elliott will not be present or within 300 yards of the I‑25 travel corridor near the respective stands; a violation of that restriction may form the basis for a revocation process under the Laramie County Fireworks Regulations, which requires notice and a hearing before the commission and could result in immediate forfeiture of the permits. County counsel said the applicant also agreed to dismiss certain pending litigation as part of the conditions. Commissioners directed that the conditions be attached to the approvals; counsel said corrected signature language would be obtained where a prior letter contained a typographic discrepancy. Commissioner Thompson said he would watch the businesses closely and emphasized the commission’s ability to revoke permits if conditions are violated.

Why it matters: the approvals restore retail fireworks stands in multiple county locations while attaching conditions intended to reduce traffic and safety risks and to address a multiyear compliance dispute with one operator. The action does not change the county's regulatory framework; it applies standing permit conditions and a tailor‑made restriction tied to an earlier pattern of violations.

Votes at a glance (selected items): - J and R Landis Enterprises LLC (USA Fireworks), 102 W. College Drive: approved with standard conditions (5‑0). - Wyoming Fireworks Warehouse LLC (Wyoming Fireworks Warehouse), I‑80/I‑25 service road location: approved with standard conditions (5‑0). - Seasonal Sales Incorporated / Artillery World (multiple I‑25 service‑road locations): four permits approved with the package of county conditions and the additional signed commitment limiting Frank Elliott's involvement; approvals carried 5‑0.

Next steps: county staff will attach the written permit conditions to the resolutions and obtain corrected signed letters from the applicant reflecting the conditions as read into the record; the Laramie County Fire Department and county attorney noted the existing revocation procedure under the Laramie County Fireworks Regulations would be used if conditions are violated.