State law narrows local control on fireworks; Nevada staff outlines permitted hours and fines

City staff told the Nevada City Council that Senate File 303 was signed into law, limiting local authority to modify shooting hours for consumer fireworks on three calendar days and establishing statewide permitted hours.

A staff presenter said the law prescribes specific hours for consumer fireworks around the Independence Day period: July 1 and July 2 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; July 3 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and July 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. "The end times don't change," the presenter said, adding that the new law prevents local jurisdictions from changing those hours for July 3, July 4 and Dec. 31.

Staff also told the council that discharging fireworks outside those permitted times is a civil infraction carrying a $500 penalty plus a $95 court fee — a combined $595. The city reports it is already receiving complaints about out‑of‑season firing and urged residents to comply with the statutory hours.

Councilors asked whether local ordinances banning fireworks during those three days would remain enforceable; staff clarified the law preempts local modification for the three covered days but local ordinances continue to apply for the remaining 362 days of the year.

The item was informational; no action altering local rules was taken at the meeting. Staff said the city will continue enforcement under the new state schedule and asked the public to refrain from discharging fireworks until the permitted dates and times.

Background: The new state statute (referred to in the meeting as Senate File 303) standardizes allowable consumer fireworks hours for three high‑use days and establishes civil penalties for violations.