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Herriman council adopts tighter fireworks restrictions and updates restriction map
Summary
The Herriman City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 2026-09 amending code section 4-2-3 to rely on an updated fireworks-discharge restriction map aligned with neighboring cities. Council cited concentrated call volumes and wildfire risk; staff and the city attorney outlined potential civil and criminal liability for negligent fireworks use.
The Herriman City Council on April 8 adopted Ordinance 2026-09 amending section 4-2-3 of the city code to reference an updated fireworks-discharge restriction map and simplify distance-based text in the ordinance. The measure passed unanimously following a staff presentation and discussion about public-safety data and liability.
Staff presented a revised map that expands restricted areas in western neighborhoods and along creeks to better align with neighboring cities, including South Jordan. City staff displayed police and fire call data showing 183 calls related to fireworks in a narrow July 2024 window and noted only one confirmed fire that year. The map and code change will allow staff to update restricted areas annually without amending the ordinance language.
Council members and public-safety officials framed the change as balancing tradition with increased fire risk. "Law already allows there to be criminal and civil liability when for human-caused fires, and that of course includes fireworks," said City attorney Anthony, adding that state code permits recovery of suppression costs and damages, including costly aerial resources. Council members emphasized the city is weighing safety and residents' use of fireworks as conditions evolve.
The ordinance references state statute in setting buffer distances (discussants said the commonly used 200-foot guideline derives from state statutory guidance) and aligns Herriman's creek and open-space restrictions with adjacent jurisdictions. The council indicated the map will be revisited annually and adjusted if seasonal conditions change.
Ordinance number: 2026-09 (amendment to Herriman City Code '4-2-3). Vote: unanimous approval by roll call (affirmative votes recorded for council members and the mayor). The ordinance takes effect in accordance with the city's adoption procedures; staff said the updated map will be maintained and published by the city.
The council also encouraged public outreach on the new map and reiterated that under state law individuals who cause fires may face criminal charges and be held financially responsible for suppression costs.
