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Town halts local fireworks permits and directs manager to draft updated permit
Summary
After Police and Fire raised concerns about notice and safety, the Selectboard paused issuance of local fireworks permits and unanimously directed the Town Manager to draft an updated permit and procedure requiring neighbor notification and coordination with emergency services.
The Selectboard unanimously directed the Town Manager June 22 to draft an updated local fireworks permit and procedure after Police and Fire raised concerns about the town’s current permitting process.
Town Manager Scott Pickup told the Board that existing permits are largely administrative and lack structured follow‑up and notification. He said Police and Fire recommended updating the permit to require event sponsors to notify nearby neighbors, coordinate with emergency services, and meet explicit safety and noise conditions. “While this review is underway, we have stopped issuing permits for local displays,” Pickup said.
Tara Chase moved to direct the Town Manager to draft the updated fireworks permit; Michael Schmitt seconded and the motion passed 5‑0. The Board discussed balancing community celebrations with impacts on nearby residents and animals and acknowledged the town’s ordinance and permit form need modernization.
Next steps: staff will prepare a revised permit and procedures, incorporating guidance from the Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) and examples from other municipalities, and return the draft to the Board for consideration.
