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Commission moves fireworks ordinance forward; keeps several holiday exceptions and flags enforcement challenges
Summary
On first reading the commission approved an ordinance amending the city's fireworks code; commissioners clarified which holidays remain allowed and discussed enforcement options including nuisance code and technology aids.
The Sandusky City Commission on Aug. 11 took the first step toward amending the city’s fireworks ordinance, approving the ordinance on first reading and preserving permitted days that include New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and several summer holidays.
Why it matters: The proposed changes narrow legal days for personal fireworks but do not eliminate common allowed holidays; commissioners and residents pressed for clarity on enforcement and the balance between nuisance complaints and criminal enforcement.
During public comment, resident Tom LaMarca expressed concern the draft was “a little bit too strict” after he said most holidays except July 4 were struck from the draft. Commissioners clarified the ordinance retains several days: the day before Jan. 1, Jan. 1, June dates, July 4 and other enumerated days in the ordinance language.
Commissioner Murray said enforcement will be a challenge and described options other communities are using, including drone monitoring and nuisance code enforcement that targets property owners rather than relying only on police response. “Going forward, it’ll be up to us and the city to be creative about how we enforce it,” Murray said.
City staff and legal counsel noted commercial fireworks are addressed under state law and require a permit; the ordinance changes apply to possession, sale and discharge by private individuals.
Decision vs. discussion: The item passed on first reading and will return for a second reading. Commissioners discussed enforcement tools and asked staff to consider signage, code strategies and technology-based approaches.
Next steps: The ordinance returns to the commission for second reading; staff will continue refining enforcement language and explore nuisance-code and signage options.
