Pick City adopts revised fireworks ordinance with specific sale, use and penalty rules

Pick City’s governing body approved the second and final passage of a revised fireworks ordinance on May 7, adopting definitions, sale periods, licensing procedures and penalties.

The ordinance defines fireworks broadly to include firecrackers, skyrockets, roman candles, sparklers and similar devices and exempts toy paper caps under specified limits. Retail sales are limited to licensed sellers who are Pick City residents as of April 1 in the year of application; sales windows are limited to June 27–July 5 and December 26–January 1. Sellers must provide a current retail license under North Dakota Century Code section 23-15-04 and maintain certified safety equipment at sale sites, including a ten-pound ABC fire extinguisher and signage prohibiting smoking or discharge within specified distances.

The ordinance prohibits certain balloon types that require flame, bans discharge in public areas including City Park, and permits discharge only on specified dates and hours (for example, July 4 through 1 a.m. July 5). The penalty structure sets a fine of $250 for a first offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses. The ordinance also allows the council to issue special display permits for public or ceremonial fireworks displays.

Councilmember Brandon Reiser moved and Councilmember Lori Davis seconded the second and final passage; the clerk recorded the action as approved with unanimous consent.

The ordinance was listed as effective on second and final passage and will be published in the Hazen Star (publication date noted in the minutes as May 15, 2025).