Council reopens fireworks schedule discussion; no policy change set yet
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Summary
Councilmembers revisited whether the city should limit the number or timing of private fireworks days around July 4, with some members favoring leaving flexibility and others asking for year-by-year review to reduce disturbance to people with PTSD and pets.
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.