- Login
Concerns prompt Waterford to draft new fireworks rules
While fireworks celebrations around the Fourth of July are typically appreciated by the public at large, Waterford officials received numerous complaints from residents that resulted in the drafting of new proposed rules.
Under a proposed ordinance adopted on first reading on Monday, July 9, fireworks can be ignited, discharged or used in the township if the users are in compliance with a permit granted by the township Board of Trustees, or if low-impact fireworks are set off by a person that is not under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
The new ordinance says fireworks can’t be used on public, school, church or private property of another person without written consent from the property owner. In addition, it says that fireworks can’t be possessed, ignited, discharged or used by a minor.
Moreover, fireworks can’t be sold to a minor, nor can they be sold at a retail location without prominently displaying a certificate to sell consumer-grade fireworks.
It also says fireworks cannot be set off in Waterford on any day other than the day before a national holiday, a national holiday, or the day after a national holiday.
4 Responses to Concerns prompt Waterford to draft new fireworks rules
You must be logged in to post a comment Login
AJ
July 11, 2012 at 11:26 pm
“It also says fireworks cannot be set off in Waterford on any day other than the day before a national holiday, a national holiday, or the day after a national holiday. ”
Yeah, good luck enforcing that!
Given how patriotic some folks are, no doubt we can expect numerous lawsuits challenging this ordinance (if it eventually passes).
Even ‘major’ firework shows occur sometimes more than a week before the actual holiday.
Dennis Montrose
July 12, 2012 at 6:02 am
When the Waterford Board meeting was going the other day I had such an urge to blow off Fireworks in front of there building during the whole event so they can get first hand experience on the annoicance of these things.
Come on Board, does it have to be in your back yard before you challenge the state with these new fireworks laws,
chris connolly
July 12, 2012 at 10:32 am
Can’t pass this type of ordinance. The state has spoken already and passed a law on point. Your proposed ordinance contradicts state law, which provides that you can legally purchase and use fireworks at any date, not just a national holiday.
So, its legal under state law to go out and purchase fireworks today and shoot them off, but its illegal under the ordinance? Nope. State law pre-empts here.
AJ
July 12, 2012 at 3:42 pm
Actually Chris, you’re wrong.
According to the:
Michigan Fireworks Safety Act
Act 256 of 2011
28.457 Local ordinances.
Sec. 7.
“(2) A local unit of government may enact an ordinance regulating the ignition, discharge, and use of consumer fireworks. However, an ordinance enacted under this subsection shall not regulate the use of consumer fireworks on the day preceding, the day of, or the day after a national holiday.”
Source: legislature.mi.gov – Act 256 of 2011