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Ridgecrest council weighs 'social host' ordinance to curb dangerous fireworks
Summary
Council reviewed a draft ordinance that would hold property owners or tenants responsible when 'dangerous' illegal fireworks are launched from their property; staff said it would provide a new enforcement tool and cited prior examples of reduced fireworks calls.
The Ridgecrest City Council on a September evening discussed a draft "social host" ordinance that would let the city issue administrative citations to property owners or tenants when dangerous, non‑permitted fireworks are launched from their property.
City Attorney Martin and the Police Chief said the ordinance is not a final reading but a staff‑drafted tool to assist law enforcement with incidents where the actual launcher is not identified. "This ordinance gives us a tool to actually take action in those situations ... where we know they're being launched from property, but everyone runs in a house," the Police Chief said during the presentation. The draft uses state Health and Safety Code definitions to distinguish permitted "safe and sane" consumer fireworks from aerial mortars and other pyrotechnics the council would consider dangerous.
Supporters argued it would deter risky behavior and protect lives and property. The Police Chief said a similar ordinance in his previous department produced a 45% reduction in fireworks calls, and Kern County Fire Captain Bridal Barrett explained the county enforces a fee schedule for violations, noting escalating penalties for repeat infractions.
Some residents and a caller urged the council to slow the process to give committees and the public more time to weigh penalties and enforcement mechanics. One caller urged tabling the item and routing it through committees for additional public input.
Councilmembers discussed jurisdictional limits (the city can enforce within its limits; county ordinances apply outside the city) and recommended public education ahead of first implementation. Council reached consensus to return the draft for a first reading at a future meeting rather than take final action tonight.
Next steps: staff will bring the ordinance back for a first reading and further public comment and potentially additional committee review before subsequent readings.
