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Syracuse proposal would create pyrotechnics permit category, raise fees to cover fire-department staffing
Summary
Officials proposed an amendment to Syracuse ordinances to create a pyrotechnics category, align local rules with state and NFPA safety standards, and replace a $25-per-event charge with a three-tier fee schedule intended to recover overtime and standby costs; councilors pressed officials on community impact and enforcement details.
Syracuse City officials on the council’s agenda outlined a proposed amendment to Chapter 5 of the revised general ordinances that would create a new category for pyrotechnics, fireworks and flame-effect displays and set a three-tier fee schedule to recover staffing costs.
The amendment, presented by fire department representatives, aims to align local permit standards with the New York State Fire Code and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and to charge event organizers for documented permit reviews, safety-plan approvals and on-site standby coverage that the department now pays from its budget.
The fire department representative said the city currently charges $25 per pyrotechnic event but is not recouping its costs. “We annually only recoup 8% of what it costs for us to staff these events,” the presenter said, citing department overtime and permit data. The presenter gave detailed figures: in 2023 the department…
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