Syracuse fire officials propose raising pyrotechnic permit fees, citing inspection and on‑site staffing needs
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Summary
The Syracuse Fire Department asked the Common Council to amend Chapter 5 of the city ordinances to raise pyrotechnic permit fees from $25 to tiered fees ($75 and $300) to cover inspection and on‑site staffing costs; councilors asked for revenue estimates and deferred detailed financial questions to a committee meeting.
The Syracuse Fire Department asked the Common Council to amend Chapter 5 of the Revised General Ordinances to increase the city’s pyrotechnic permit fees and align charges with the level of effort required for inspections and on‑site detail. Elton Davis, executive deputy chief for the Syracuse Fire Department, told the council the city currently charges $25 for all pyrotechnic permits and is proposing three tiers: $75 for minor indoor “cold sparklers,” $300 for major indoor or outdoor displays (examples: professional stadium or harbor fireworks), and $300 for special displays at large concerts or similar events.
Davis said the change reflects inspection time and staffing needs. Routine reviews require an inspector to verify equipment, clearances and alarm systems, which can take two to three hours before an event. For large outdoor events the department expects to assign an on‑site inspector and typically deploy a staffed apparatus with four personnel to remain on scene during and after detonation to respond quickly to incidents.
Councilors asked for estimates of additional revenue and operational impacts. One member said those questions were lengthy and recommended scheduling a committee meeting to review revenue projections and staffing costs in detail. Davis and councilors agreed to continue the discussion in committee; no vote on the fee change was recorded in the study session record.
Why it matters: The city currently charges a single flat fee that department officials say does not cover the inspection workload or potential overtime and apparatus staffing for larger displays. Raising fees would shift some costs to event permit holders and could change the net cost to the city depending on how many events fall into each new tier.
What’s next: Councilors asked staff to prepare revenue projections and operational parameters for the next committee meeting. No formal ordinance amendment was adopted during the session.
