Safety committee debates fireworks ordinance language, whether John Carroll displays remain permitted

The Safety Committee reviewed draft companion ordinances tied to Ordinance 2022-05 that would clarify permitting for licensed fireworks exhibitors. Law Director Brad Bryan said the current code contains language that references state licensure but has ambiguity about “exhibits” and whether previously permitted commercial displays remain allowed; Chief Robert Perko said only large venues such as John Carroll can meet the space parameters required by the state for an exhibitor-approved show.

"This amendment would not in any way allow anybody to get a permit unless they were hiring a licensed professional fireworks company," Bryan told the committee, adding that an applicant must meet fire department, police department and state fire marshal requirements.

Vice Mayor Michele Weiss and Councilwoman Win Weizer said the committee had debated companion ordinances in 2022 and emphasized that earlier council discussion intended to restrict consumer fireworks while allowing professionally managed displays in limited locations. Mayor Micheal Dylan Brennan said his understanding at the time was that the ordinance should "restore" the prior status that allowed licensed commercial displays at locations that met safety requirements and that the draft language should be corrected if it unintentionally prohibits those events.

Committee Chair Threse Marshall said members heard differing interpretations and asked staff to bring a clarified ordinance form back to the next safety meeting for further consideration.

What happens next: Law Director Brad Bryan will refine the draft ordinance language to resolve ambiguity about permitted exhibits and the committee will resume the matter at a future meeting.