Board adopts social‑host fireworks ordinance with new enforcement, denies one‑year carve‑out for Oceano

The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors voted 3–2 on May 29 to adopt a countywide social‑host ordinance intended to strengthen enforcement against illegal fireworks and clarify host responsibilities during the July 4 period.

The ordinance adds enforcement tools and establishes maximum fines (staff noted fines up to $1,000 per violation were part of the enforcement toolbox), and the board directed staff to prepare a coordinated communication plan with CAL FIRE, the sheriff’s office and the county public information officer to inform residents and visitors about the new rules ahead of the holiday.

The vote followed an extended public comment period dominated by speakers from Oceano, who said the sale of state‑approved “safe and sane” fireworks provides crucial fundraising revenue for local nonprofits. Peter Brown of the Oceano Community Services District told the board the sales are an important community fundraising mechanism and asked for a temporary reprieve while organizations transition. Louis Linney, vice president of TNT Fireworks, urged the Board to distinguish between state‑approved consumer fireworks and dangerous, illegal aerial product and offered a smartphone reporting app used in other jurisdictions.

Supervisors who opposed a targeted carve‑out said public‑safety experts—including the county fire marshal and CAL FIRE—recommended a consistent countywide approach. Supervisor Moreno said the decision is a public‑safety one and that staff and fire chiefs’ guidance should not be overridden for a local exemption. Supervisor Gibson cited equity concerns about creating exemptions for one community while others would remain subject to the prohibition.

Supervisor Paulding and other Oceano advocates argued the Board should allow a one‑year exemption for sales to allow nonprofits time to replace fundraising revenue. The motion to adopt the ordinance, with an explicit instruction that staff implement a detailed outreach and communications plan (press release, social media, temporary signage and coordination with law enforcement and fire personnel), carried 3–2.

The Board’s action authorizes enforcement, directs outreach ahead of Independence Day and leaves broader county policy in place while warning residents that illegal fireworks remain the primary enforcement target. The ordinance is effective upon adoption but the Board specified staff should prioritize public education and discretion in enforcement to avoid unduly penalizing families for minimal or first‑time infractions.

Clerk’s roll call (as read at the meeting) recorded the following votes: Supervisor Gibson — Yes; Supervisor Moreno — Yes; Supervisor Pashong — No; Supervisor Paulding — No; Chairperson Ortiz Lehi — Yes.

The Board asked staff to return with implementation details and the communication plan and to monitor enforcement impacts after the holiday.