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Gardner council approves ordinance allowing temporary fireworks stands at fairgrounds with existing permit conditions
Summary
The council voted to adopt Ordinance 2879 to permit temporary fireworks stands in the RECC (fairgrounds) zoning district, subject to standard permitting, separation distances and performance requirements; council debated proximity to residential parcels before adopting the ordinance.
The Gardner City Council adopted Ordinance 2879 to amend the municipal code so temporary fireworks stands are allowed in the RECC (fairgrounds) zoning district, provided applicants meet the city’s existing permitting and performance criteria.
Staff explained the change would not waive any other requirements: potential vendors must still obtain the required temporary-use permits, meet the separation distances from residences and satisfy site-plan and safety requirements. "This ordinance merely would amend the uniform offense code to include the RECC zoning district as a district where you could allow fireworks stands," staff said, noting the fairgrounds parcel is unique in the code’s current zoning map.
Council members discussed the proximity of the fairgrounds parcel to residential zoning and the need to make sure separation and performance standards are followed. A motion to adopt Ordinance 2879 was moved by Council Member Baldwin, seconded by Council Member McNair, and passed by voice vote.
The ordinance takes effect according to the city’s standard code-adoption rules; applicants must still complete any required permitting and site-review steps.
