FIREWORKS REGULATION ORDINANCE

Section 1. Purpose 

The purpose of this ordinance is to regulate the possession, sale, and use of fireworks within the Town of Paleto Bay in order to promote public safety, reduce the risk of fires and injuries, protect property, and preserve the peaceful enjoyment of the community while allowing reasonable celebration during designated periods. 

Section 2. Definitions 

Consumer Fireworks means fireworks intended for recreational use by the general public, including fountains, sparklers, cones, smoke devices, ground spinners, and similar products approved for consumer sale.

Display Fireworks means professional-grade aerial shells, salutes, large rockets, or other pyrotechnic devices intended for public exhibitions and requiring licensed operators.

Responsible Adult means a person eighteen (18) years of age or older who exercises supervision over the use of fireworks.

Section 3. General Rule 

The discharge of consumer fireworks within the Town of Paleto Bay is prohibited except as expressly authorized by this ordinance.

Display fireworks may only be used pursuant to an approved permit issued by the Town and under the supervision of qualified personnel.

Section 4. Authorized Dates and Times 

Consumer fireworks may be discharged within the Town of Paleto Bay only during the following authorized periods:

Monthly Community Celebration

• The Second Saturday of Every Month

• Between 6:00 PM and 9:30 PM local time

Residents and visitors may lawfully discharge consumer fireworks during this period, provided all other provisions of this ordinance are followed.

Independence Day

• July 3: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• July 4: 10:00 AM – 11:59 PM

• July 5: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

New Year's Eve

• December 31: 6:00 PM – 12:30 AM on January 1

Except as otherwise provided herein, the discharge of consumer fireworks outside these authorized periods is prohibited.

Section 5. Location Restrictions 

Fireworks shall not be discharged:

• Within fifty (50) feet of any occupied structure without the owner's consent.

• On public streets or sidewalks.

• Inside parks unless specifically authorized.

• On school property.

• Within designated wildfire hazard areas during burn restrictions.

• In any manner that creates a danger to persons or property.

Section 6. Fire Safety Requirements 

Any person using fireworks shall:

1. Keep a charged garden hose, bucket of water, or fire extinguisher immediately available.

2. Ensure fireworks are used on a stable surface.

3. Properly extinguish all spent fireworks before disposal.

4. Remove all debris from the area after use.

5. Cease operations immediately if weather conditions become unsafe.

Section 7. Prohibited Conduct 

No person shall:

• Ignite fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.

• Throw fireworks at any person, animal, vehicle, or structure.

• Modify or combine fireworks.

• Possess or use homemade explosive devices.

• Ignite fireworks from moving vehicles.

• Use fireworks to intentionally harass wildlife or livestock.

• Use fireworks during a declared burn ban or emergency fire restriction.

Section 8. Burn Bans and Emergency Restrictions 

Whenever the Mayor, Fire Chief, or other authorized official declares a burn ban or fire emergency, all fireworks use shall immediately cease regardless of otherwise authorized dates.

Such restrictions shall remain in effect until officially lifted.

Section 9. Special Event Exemptions 

The Town Council, Mayor, or their designated representative may authorize the use of consumer or display fireworks for special events, festivals, community celebrations, charitable functions, weddings, grand openings, or other occasions determined to be in the public interest.

Approved special event permits may authorize fireworks outside the standard hours established by this ordinance and may impose reasonable conditions, including:

• Approved discharge locations;

• Start and end times;

• Fire prevention measures;

• Crowd safety requirements;

• Coordination with the Paleto Bay Volunteer Fire Department and Paleto Bay Police Department;

• Cleanup responsibilities.

Permit holders shall comply with all conditions of approval. Failure to do so may result in immediate revocation of the permit and enforcement action.

Section 10. Emergency Suspension 

Notwithstanding any authorized dates or permits, the Mayor, Fire Chief, or other authorized official may temporarily prohibit all fireworks within the Town whenever drought conditions, high winds, wildfire risk, or other public safety concerns make such activity hazardous.

Such suspension shall remain in effect until officially rescinded.