Council introduces ordinance to strengthen penalties, host‑liability for illegal fireworks

The Galt City Council voted unanimously to introduce and waive first reading of an ordinance to revise municipal code chapter 8.04 on fireworks, targeting illegal fireworks and strengthening enforcement tools.

Code Enforcement Supervisor TJ Gedati outlined the changes: the draft repeals and replaces Chapter 8.04 and clarifies the ban on illegal fireworks, sets permitted times for state‑approved “safe and sane” sales and use, authorizes civil citations and fines up to $1,000, and adds host‑liability language that can hold property owners or event hosts accountable when illegal fireworks are launched from their premises. Gedati said officials will partner with Cosumnes CSD fire and Galt Police Department to inspect sales stands, verify state fire marshal tags and pursue compliance.

Police Chief Kalinowski described tools Elk Grove used last year, including aerial and ground video to identify large, organized illegal uses and administrative host citations. He said drones and other non‑sworn personnel can provide evidence so the city can pursue compliance without diverting sworn patrol capacity. “The host ordinance are the 3 moving pieces for us that, take this home,” he said.

Why it matters: the ordinance is aimed at preventing fires and injuries from illegal aerial or explosive fireworks and gives the city additional civil enforcement options and a pathway to confiscate and destroy illegal fireworks. The council’s action was to introduce and waive the first reading; the ordinance will return for subsequent readings and adoption.

Motion: Council member Pratt moved to introduce and waive the first reading; Council member Reid seconded. Roll call vote was 5–0 in favor.