Monroe officials propose fireworks ordinance that limits low-impact use to weekend nights; first reading set for Aug. 18

City officials reviewed a proposed fireworks ordinance during a work session and then placed it on the council agenda for first reading and a public hearing. The draft adapts state definitions for display, consumer and low-impact fireworks, adds local limits for where and when low-impact devices may be used, and adds application, inspection and escrow requirements for professional display permits.

The draft, presented by Assistant City Manager and Director of Economic and Community Development Mark Cochran, follows Michigan Public Act 256 (2011) and American Pyrotechnic Association guidance in separating fireworks into display, consumer and low-impact categories. Cochran told the council that “if it stays on the ground, produces light, it's a low impact firework. If it's handheld or other novelties as described in the state law, it's something we can't regulate.”

Why it matters: the ordinance would give the city local control over some uses of fireworks while preserving the state-mandated days when consumer fireworks cannot be restricted. The proposal aims to balance residents' desire for private celebrations with concerns about noise, debris and safety.

Key provisions in the draft - Definitions and limits: The ordinance mirrors the state categories. It proposes to prohibit consumer fireworks outside the days state law requires they be allowed, and to permit low-impact, ground-based fireworks on Fridays and Saturdays until 11 p.m. (Sundays through Thursdays would remain prohibited for low-impact devices.) - Public-property prohibition: The draft explicitly bars ignition or use of consumer fireworks and low-impact fireworks on public property, sidewalks, streets, parks, school property and another person's property. - Sparklers and novelties: The presenter said the state statute prevents local regulation of “novelties” (handheld sparklers, smoke balls and similar items). The council and staff noted confusion about some handheld “sparkler” products that can be packaged or sized differently; the draft treats ordinary handheld sparklers as novelties the city cannot ban. - Display permits: For professional displays the ordinance would require the state application form, a local site plan and a safety/storage plan, proof of insurance naming the city as additional insured, authority for city inspection, and the ability to collect an upfront escrow to cover expected city public-safety and cleanup costs. Any unused portion of an escrow would be returned. - Violations and penalties: The draft cites state-prescribed penalties (for property damage, up to 90 days and fines up to $500; civil fines for litter up to $500) and adds municipal civil-infractions up to $1,000 for ordinance violations, with $500 of the fine directed to the public-safety department when applicable.

Council reaction and next steps Councilmembers asked staff to clarify device categories (sparklers vs. sparklers-in-a-tree, fountain whistles that can be audible, and hand-held vs. ground-mounted devices) and to prepare public-facing guidance. Manager Robinson said a communications handout and examples would accompany the ordinance if council moves forward.

At the council meeting that followed the work session, Councilwoman Stringham moved to place proposed ordinance 25-005 on the floor for first reading and to schedule the second reading and public hearing for Aug. 18, 2025; the motion, supported by Councilwoman Jermaine (Esparza), carried unanimously (Steelgrave, Jermaine, Stringham, Felder, Hader and Mayor Clark voted yes). The ordinance will return for a public hearing and second reading before any final vote.

What remains unresolved: Council and staff acknowledged continuing ambiguity about some devices (notably larger handheld sparklers and “sparkler trees”) and said they will rely on APA standards and a printed handout to clarify which products the city will treat as novelties, low-impact or consumer fireworks.