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Franklin County keeps broader fireworks dates after state narrows permit-free period
Summary
Despite state changes narrowing the permit-free fireworks window, the Franklin County Board decided to keep its current county policy that waives permits between June 1–July 8 and Dec. 10–Jan. 3; county staff said permits remain available outside those dates.
Franklin County supervisors discussed recent state changes that limit permit-free fireworks discharges to three specific days but decided to retain the county’s existing, wider permit-free periods.
County staff explained the state now allows fireworks without a permit on three specific days; outside those dates, organizers must apply for a county fireworks permit. The county’s current policy, which supervisors chose to retain, waives permit requirements between June 1 and July 8 and from Dec. 10 through Jan. 3.
Supervisors noted keeping the broader county dates does not prevent the county from requiring permits outside the listed windows; it simply maintains the local practice that has been in place. Staff said permit volume has historically been low — perhaps a few dozen applications in a summer — and that any change would require public notice and additional administrative work.
Board members directed staff to publicize the county’s decision and to make sure communications clarify that the county’s dates differ from the state’s narrower calendar. No formal ordinance change was made at the meeting.
