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Milton council adopts ordinance banning consumer fireworks within 200 yards of equine facilities, effective July 1
Summary
Following state law allowing local restrictions, the Milton City Council approved a UDC amendment to prohibit consumer fireworks within 200 yards of parcels where equines are housed, adding a definition of 'facility' and emphasizing public education for the first year of enforcement.
The Milton City Council voted unanimously to add language to the Unified Development Code restricting the use of consumer fireworks within 200 yards of parcels where equines are kept, adopting the local ordinance language that becomes effective July 1, 2025.
Why it matters: The change implements the state law enacted this year and is intended to reduce stress and injury risks to horses and livestock near residential fireworks displays.
Robin McDonald, the city’s zoning manager, briefed council that the 2025 Georgia legislative session produced a bill allowing governing authorities to restrict consumer fireworks within 200 yards of equine facilities. McDonald presented the ordinance language that, she said, "It shall be unlawful for any person to use or ignite consumer fireworks as defined in OCGA 20 five-ten-one A1 within 200 yards of a facility where equines are housed in a confined area. For the purposes of this ordinance, facility shall mean the parcel where 1 or more equines are kept or housed in a confined area. The 200 yard distance shall be measured from the outermost property line of the parcel where the equine housing is located." (language shown by staff at the meeting).
McDonald and council clarified that the ordinance applies to consumer fireworks sold at retail and not to commercial fireworks displays, which require permits and separate state or local approvals. Councilmembers and meeting attendees noted the value of public education ahead of the July 4th holiday; Mayor Payton Jamieson said, "I think educating the public is gonna be very important this this year." The council confirmed the city has a communications plan for outreach before the ordinance takes effect.
Councilmember comments thanked the equestrian committee and volunteers who supported the change; the transcript records council recognition of Tim Enloe’s testimony about horses’ sensitivity to fireworks and credits local advocates including equestrian committee chair Tony Rich and Representative Jan Jones for the legislative work.
The council’s motion to approve the ordinance (including the additional language presented on screen) was made by Councilmember Cranmer, seconded by Councilmember Jacobus, and passed unanimously.
Ending: The ordinance becomes effective July 1, 2025; city staff said they will implement a three‑tiered communications plan to inform residents about the new restriction before the July 4 holiday.
