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Mount Vernon makes temporary fireworks ban permanent with civil-liability provision
Summary
Council adopted Ordinance 39-28 to permanently prohibit sale and discharge of fireworks in Mount Vernon and added civil liability for property owners who knowingly permit discharge; the ordinance carries fines and will take effect one year after adoption per state law.
Mount Vernon’s City Council on Dec. 17 voted to make the city’s temporary 2023 fireworks ban permanent and to add civil-liability penalties for property owners who knowingly permit fireworks discharge.
City attorney Kevin Rogerson presented Ordinance 39-28, which would prohibit the sale and discharge of fireworks within Mount Vernon and carry civil penalties for property owners who knowingly allow discharges on their property. Rogerson said the prior temporary ordinance, adopted in 2023, was set to sunset on Nov. 15, 2027; adopting this ordinance removes that sunset. "If you adopt this ordinance tonight, that ban would become permanent," Rogerson said. He also said civil penalties for violations are set at $1,000 per offense.
Council members discussed community safety and prior messaging that led some residents to misunderstand which fireworks were already illegal; one member said the city continues to provide an organized public display each year unless fire risk prevents it. The council moved, seconded and adopted Ordinance 39-28 by voice vote.
Under state law the ordinance will become effective one year after adoption; city staff said the timing would allow application by the next New Year's period.
