Council considers tightening fireworks rules to allow administrative citations for private‑property discharges

Staff presented proposed amendments to Chapter 11 of the city code aimed at strengthening enforcement for fireworks discharged within the city, particularly on private property.

Staff explained the current ordinance is vague and that the proposed revisions would allow administrative citations to be issued to property owners for fireworks discharged on private property (carrying a fine not to exceed $500). The proposed administrative route would allow complaint-based enforcement using third‑party affidavits or supporting video evidence and reduce the need for law-enforcement officers to enter private property. Staff told the council that Class C misdemeanor enforcement would remain for public-property discharges.

Councilors discussed carve-outs for low‑risk items (for example, sparklers) while restricting aerial fireworks and loud devices that produce significant popping or airborne debris; they asked staff to draft a definition for “aerial” and consider decibel or time-of-day limitations. The city attorney said the administrative citation framework would allow code, fire and police personnel to issue penalties under a defined process similar to other administrative codes.

Next steps: staff will work with the city attorney to draft ordinance language that clarifies prohibited categories (for example aerials and loud explosives), enforcement procedures, and an appeals/hearing process before presenting an ordinance for council consideration.