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Oxnard committee backs ordinance raising fireworks fines, adds premises liability and misdemeanor option
Summary
The committee voted 2-0 to recommend that the City Council introduce an ordinance overhauling Oxnard's fireworks rules, raising civil fines to as much as $2,000 per occurrence, creating a premises-liability citation for properties linked to fireworks activity, and allowing misdemeanor charges when officers directly observe violations.
The Oxnard Community Services, Public Safety, Housing and Economic Development Committee voted 2-0 on March 24 to recommend the City Council introduce a comprehensive fireworks ordinance that raises civil fines and expands enforcement tools.
Assistant City Attorney Elle McCarron told the committee the draft ordinance creates a dual enforcement framework: civil administrative citations with fines up to $2,000 per occurrence for dangerous fireworks and the option for police to issue a misdemeanor citation when an officer directly witnesses the act. McCarron said the proposal also escalates fines for fireworks that California law calls “safe and sane,” with penalties moving from $250 to $500 and up to $1,000 for repeat civil violations.
The nut of the proposal, staff said, is deterrence and public-safety protection. "The purpose of this ordinance is to act as a deterrent to fireworks," McCarron said, citing an incident last summer in which an unlit or unused firework exploded in a trash can and caused serious injury. The ordinance also adds a premises-liability provision that would allow the city to cite property owners, tenants or residents when fireworks can be traced to a particular address even if officers did not witness ignition.
Committee members questioned how the ordinance would be enforced and whether the goal was revenue. One member asked whether the city’s intent was simply to collect more money; staff replied the focus is quality of life and public safety, not revenue. Assistant Fire Chief Carson Guthrie confirmed the city has used aerial reconnaissance to map fireworks activity and said that data has been used in enforcement and prosecutions.
McCarron described legal consequences for misdemeanor convictions: they would be prosecuted in superior court and could appear on a Department of Justice background check, potentially affecting professional licenses. For civil citations, staff said an appeals process exists: a person may request a fee waiver or appeal to the city manager’s designee or a hearing officer based on individual financial circumstances.
Committee members urged proactive outreach if the ordinance proceeds. Suggestions included bilingual flyers in utility bills and coordinated notices before peak fireworks seasons so residents are aware of the increased fines and enforcement tools. Staff said police, fire and code teams would include the new penalties in pre-season public information.
The committee moved the recommended action and the motion carried 2-0, with Chair McArthur absent. The recommendation sends the ordinance to the full City Council for introduction by title only and waiver of further reading.
The committee received one written comment in support from Connie Hagee; no public speakers addressed the item in person or virtually. The City Council will consider the ordinance at a subsequent meeting.
