Council hears proposal for one-year moratorium on fireworks sales and use; staff outlines permit requirements and enforcement costs

City staff presented an urgency ordinance proposal, identified in the materials as MC 16 52, that would establish a one-year moratorium on the sale and use of fireworks and direct staff to prepare a regular ordinance for council consideration.

Staff described current code language (SBMC §8.60.120) that allows nonprofit organizations to sell and discharge “safe” fireworks, subject to a temporary sales permit, an application fee and proof of $1 million in liability insurance, and approval by the fire chief and state fire marshal. The staff presentation estimated that enforcing the proposed moratorium’s provisions would cost roughly $270,000 annually, covering extra inspection and enforcement workload.

Public comment was split. Several speakers representing schools and nonprofit groups said fireworks sales fund community programs and school activities; they warned that lost vendor income would harm local schools and small organizations that rely on booth revenue. Other commenters and staff pointed to safety and enforcement costs and urged stronger regulation. One community commenter who trains youth said fireworks events generate community engagement and income for local groups; speakers also suggested alternatives such as drone shows.

No final adoption of MC 16 52 is recorded in the provided meeting excerpt. Staff presented the proposed urgency ordinance language and invited council questions; the materials recorded staff direction to prepare a regular ordinance for later council consideration.

Why it matters: fireworks policy affects public safety, fire risk, municipal enforcement costs and fundraising for community groups. The proposal prompted public appeals both for preserving local fundraising and for stronger regulation to reduce safety and inspection costs.

Clarifying details from the staff presentation and public comments: - SBMC §8.60.120 currently permits nonprofit sellers subject to an application fee ($50) and a license fee (reported in presentation as $204) and requires $1,000,000 in liability coverage and approval from fire authorities and tax departments for temporary sales. - Staff estimated annual enforcement costs to administer and enforce the regulatory regime at about $270,000.

Next steps: staff presented the urgency ordinance language (MC 16 52) and the packet directed staff to prepare a regular ordinance. The transcript excerpt does not show a final council vote on the urgency ordinance.