Council reopens fireworks schedule discussion; no policy change set yet

Councilmembers discussed fireworks dates and durations in a Jan. 9 discussion item but took no formal action.

City attorney Spencer (Mr. Lau in audio) and staff said they brought the item for discussion so council could decide whether to set a fixed allowance in city code (number of days and nightly time limits) or continue past practice of setting dates on a yearly basis closer to the holiday.

Council members raised public-safety and quality-of-life concerns, including messages from residents with post-traumatic stress and other sensitivities, and noted the police department typically enforces violations by initial warning and targeted enforcement. One councilmember said a five- to six-day window including July 4 and a weekend would strike a balance; others preferred keeping annual flexibility because the date of July 4 shifts on the week and drought/fire risk varies by year.

Why it matters: private fireworks create noise and may raise safety, animal welfare and public-health concerns; a fixed code limit would remove some administrative flexibility but provide predictability.

What’s next: staff will bring the item back in May with options and a proposed schedule, and the city will use public outreach in the coming months to shape specific date/time proposals.