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Monroe City advances fireworks ordinance after work session on definitions, permits and limits
Summary
Council reviewed a draft ordinance that mirrors state law, treats most sparklers as novelties, would ban consumer (aerial/audible) fireworks except where state law requires and would allow low-impact ground fireworks Fridays–Saturdays until 11 p.m.; staff recommended permit requirements, insurance and escrow for large displays.
A work session presentation and follow-up council action moved Monroe City closer to new local rules for fireworks, after staff outlined how state law constrains local regulation and proposed local limits on where and when certain types may be used.
Assistant City Manager Mark Cochran told council the state statute cited in the presentation (referred to in discussion as Public Act 256) draws a line between display fireworks (professional shows), consumer fireworks (aerial or audible devices) and lower-impact ground devices, plus a category of novelties. “Novelties are things we are not allowed to regulate,” Cochran said, citing the state act and American Pyrotechnic Association (APA) guidance.
Cochran said the draft ordinance would: follow state law for consumer fireworks; explicitly add low-impact (ground, non-audible) fireworks to the local definition; permit low-impact fireworks on Fridays and Saturdays until 11:00 p.m.; prohibit consumer (aerial or audible) fireworks outside state‑required dates; and bar low-impact and consumer fireworks from streets, sidewalks, parks, school and church property.
On permits for professional displays, staff proposed using the state application form, naming a city resident or responsible local representative, requiring proof of insurance naming the city as additionally insured, a site and safety-storage plan, and the ability to inspect private property. For large displays, staff would set an upfront escrow deposit to cover anticipated police, fire and cleanup costs; leftover funds would be returned and shortfalls invoiced.
Cochran summarized enforcement language taken from state law: intentionally or recklessly damaging another’s property is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days and a fine not exceeding $500; littering debris on another’s property or public property can be a civil infraction with fines up to $500. The draft places most other ordinance violations as municipal civil infractions subject to fines up to $1,000, with $500 directed to public safety when applicable.
Councilmembers repeatedly asked for clearer classifications of sparklers and handheld sparkling devices, because APA standards and state definitions overlap. Cochran agreed the definitions can be confusing and said staff would produce clarifying handouts for public education and enforcement.
At the regular meeting later that night, Councilwoman Stringham moved and Councilwoman Jermaine supported placing proposed ordinance 25‑005 (Chapter 3-48, Fireworks) on the floor for its first reading and scheduling the second reading and public hearing for Aug. 18, 2025; the motion passed on a roll-call vote of councilmembers present. The ordinance will return for the second reading and a public hearing before any final adoption.
The next steps are for staff to refine device definitions (with APA citations and example packaging), finalize communications materials for residents, and bring the ordinance through the formal council readings and public-hearing process.
