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Public urges Harvey County to revisit fireworks-sale ban; commissioners say rule change can't be rushed
Summary
A local fireworks operator asked the commission to lift the county's ban on retail fireworks in unincorporated areas and allow conditional stands; commissioners said they were sympathetic but that repealing Resolution 2010‑9 (and its 2015 amendment) would require stakeholder review and Planning Commission action and could not be completed in time for this season.
During the citizens forum at the April 8 meeting, Michelle Green asked the Harvey County Board of Commissioners to reconsider the county’s ban on retail fireworks sales in unincorporated areas. "She stated that there have been no issues or fires at any fireworks stands operating within the county for many years and most of the adjoining counties allow fireworks stands outside of city limits," the minutes record.
Planning, Zoning & Environmental Director Karen Rothe told commissioners that repealing Resolution 2010‑9 and its 2015 amendment would not allow a conditional‑use permit to be processed in time for this year’s Fourth of July season. Commissioners said they were supportive of the specific request to allow a stand near Burrton but declined to make an exception or change the rules on an emergency basis; they asked staff to consult Emergency Management, local fire districts and other stakeholders on potential future changes.
The agenda packet includes the full text of Resolution 2010‑9 (Regulating the Sale, Handling, Use & Storage of Fireworks) and Resolution 2015‑8 (amending Section VI). County staff noted the City of Burrton offered to host a stand inside city limits for this year as a short‑term option while the county considers any policy changes.
