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Council gives staff direction on fireworks-permit rules, keeps 12 permits for now
Summary
After extensive discussion of vendor and nonprofit concerns, the council directed staff to keep the Safe and Sane fireworks permit cap at 12 for the next resolution, move the application timeline earlier, and return with options on multi‑year permits and 'cool-down' provisions at the Dec. 9 meeting.
City staff presented five potential changes to the Safe and Sane fireworks permit program and sought council direction on whether to reduce the maximum number of permits, change application timelines, allow multi-year permits or relax rules on affiliated nonprofits.
Staff said one vendor and some nonprofits had recommended reducing permits from 12 to 8 to avoid oversaturation and unequal sales results; staff also proposed moving the application window earlier in the year and adding administrative streamlining to make application review easier.
Council members expressed differing views. Several members — including Council Member Barrios and Mayor Pro Tem Bilodeau — cautioned against cutting permits immediately after a single year of implementation, arguing location and site-selection data needed more time to mature. Council Member Demetrio suggested keeping opportunities broad and said he preferred staying at 12 permits. Vendors from TNT said finding safe, code‑compliant selling sites is difficult and recommended 8 as a likely 'sweet spot' for a city of Orange’s size.
Staff summarized council direction: keep the permit cap at 12 for the upcoming resolution, move the application timeline earlier (to January), and return Dec. 9 with drafted resolution language and options for multi‑year permits or a cooldown period. Staff also said they could amend the application to require disclosure of affiliated organizations to reduce confusion about which applicants are under common umbrellas.
No formal resolution was adopted on Nov. 12; council provided direction that will be incorporated into a resolution brought back on Dec. 9.
