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St. Charles County panel adopts 2026 fireworks-stand rules, approves six temporary-stand permits
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the county’s 2026 fireworks-stand regulations (removing a COVID-era public-health condition) and unanimously granted six conditional-use permits for temporary fireworks stands at existing locations after brief public hearings and staff reports.
The St. Charles County Planning and Zoning Commission on March 18 adopted its 2026 fireworks-stand regulations and approved six conditional-use permits for temporary fireworks stands, clearing the way for the seasonal sales leading up to July 4.
Staff told commissioners the only substantive regulatory change from 2025 is removal of a COVID-era public-health condition; the rest of the code language remains unchanged. County Public Advocate Arnie C. Denoff pressed for stricter safety measures—including larger setbacks, bigger cleared buffers, more fire extinguishers, higher fees for larger tents and spot checks by code enforcement—but the commission voted to adopt the staff-proposed regulations as presented.
After adopting the regulations, the commission considered a series of stand applications at locations repeatedly used in recent years. Staff reported no recorded complaints at the sites and noted some stands have been operating at the same addresses since 2015–2019. Applicants were sworn, and members of the public were given the chance to comment; Denoff repeatedly asked that his proposed amendments be included in the meeting record. The commission moved, seconded and approved the following conditional-use permits (CUPs): FWK26‑01 (3120 West Clay Street), FWK26‑02 (58 West Highway N), FWK26‑03 (910 O’Brien Road), FWK26‑04 (21 East Highway N), FWK26‑05 (2301 Upper Bottom Road) and FWK26‑06 (3803 Highway D). Commissioners recorded unanimous “yes” votes on the motions.
The planning chair noted that a recommendation for denial of temporary-stand applications would be forwarded to the county council for consideration at its April 13 meeting; approval by the commission is final for those temporary fireworks-stand CUPs. Several applicants and staff reiterated they will continue to comply with State Fire Marshal requirements and county codes.
The commission’s action leaves in place county rules for fireworks sales for 2026; proponents of tougher limits said they will press the issue in future code reviews or through other channels.
