Commission approves two seasonal fireworks permits and adopts stricter enforcement approach

The Muskego City Planning Commission on May 5 approved seasonal fireworks sales permits for two vendors and added stronger enforcement language for violations.

Adam, a planning staff member, presented two permit requests: Freedom Fireworks at Bossy Farm (James Savage Road) for a 20-by-60 tent and storage container, proposed June 18–July 8 (9 a.m.–9 p.m.), and a permit for a vendor at Lake Point Church (Jim Snow Road) with a 30-by-60 tent and two storage containers, proposed June 1–July 5 (9 a.m.–9 p.m.). Staff described typical site controls — barriers to separate pedestrians from vehicles, on-site trash removal, and restroom access — and said permits follow past practices for temporary fireworks stands in the city.

Staff noted complaints last season about vendors selling fireworks that may not comply with city or state requirements. "After talking to the city attorney he seemed to have a concern… the idea of just just one strike and that's it," Adam said, relaying the attorney's suggested enforcement approach. Commissioners discussed who would perform inspections and enforcement; staff said local police historically conducted undercover buys and citations when illegal products were found, and that the city would also conduct inspections for compliance.

Commissioners moved to amend the Bossy Farm resolution to add stricter enforcement language and approved the amended resolution. They then approved the Lake Point Church permit with matching enforcement conditions. The approvals require vendors to comply with state law and city ordinances and indicate a unit may be closed if violations are found; the resolutions also call for site checks and debris removal during and after operations.

The commission recorded the approvals and directed staff and police coordination on inspection and enforcement procedures for the season.