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Council hears that fireworks are prohibited but enforcement gaps leave residents frustrated
Summary
Staff said Cleveland has adopted the 2015 fire code and generally prohibits personal fireworks, but that language isn’t clearly codified in the municipal code and officers rarely catch dischargers in the act; residents were told they can file affidavits to support charges.
City staff told council members on Wednesday that personal fireworks are broadly prohibited under the city’s current practices and the adopted 2015 fire code, but residents continue to hear fireworks and question enforcement.
Unidentified Speaker 4 summarized regional practice: many nearby cities ban possession and discharge of personal fireworks, allow only permitted public displays, and adopt local amendments as needed. "We adopt the 2015 fire code," Unidentified Speaker 4 said, and noted that without a local ordinance amendment the practice may be harder for residents to find in the code of ordinances.
Chief Proussard and other staff described enforcement challenges: officers often arrive to smoke on the scene and do not observe the discharge directly, making arrests or citations rare. "There’s very few times that they ever catch individuals that are actually possessing them or discharging them at the time," a police representative said. Staff advised residents that they may submit sworn affidavits to document incidents and support charges when necessary.
Council discussion focused on enforcement clarity rather than changing policy: staff offered to review ordinance language for clearer codification and suggested continued public education about the prohibition.
No formal change was made; staff will consider clarifying ordinance language and maintain current enforcement practices.
