Vice mayor calls for ‘stiffer’ fireworks ordinance in Citrus Heights

By Sara Beth Williams–
The city’s vice mayor wants to strengthen the current fireworks ordinance for the City of Citrus Heights.

Referencing opinions stated in public comments made during the July 10 City Council meeting, Vice Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa requested that the city make the current ordinance “stiffer,” to help prevent illegal fireworks throughout the city.

“Right now, our ordinance I don’t think is very enforceable,” Karpinski-Costa said. Councilmembers Tim Shaefer and MariJane Lopez-Taff voiced agreement.

In a prior City Council meeting, Karpinski-Costa asked the Police Department how many citations were issued in 2023, and the department reported that only three citations were issued last year.

Police Lt. Dave Neher informed The Sentinel on Monday that a press release would be issued with July 4 statistics “in the coming days.” As of Friday, July 12, the department had not yet released the total number of illegal fireworks citations for this year, or any other related statistics.

On Wednesday, Karpinski-Costa referenced Woodland’s illegal fireworks ordinance, which not only fines the host, but was recently updated to include distributing fines based on the number of illegal fireworks.

“If nothing else, an ordinance could be steep enough that it would be the fear of the Lord of getting caught, that might deter [illegal fireworks],” Karpinski-Costa said during the City Council meeting. “Just look at our ordinance and make it stiffer.”

Council comments did not appear to be seeking a ban on all fireworks, as both the mayor and vice mayor made separate comments during the meeting in support of “safe and sane” fireworks. The council also previously voted to approve funding for a professional aerial fireworks display to be held during the city’s annual Stars & Stripes celebration.

Citrus Heights Police stated in a report to City Council on June 27 that the current city ordinance, amended in 2021, results in fining the “host” or the resident who knowingly permits or allows illegal fireworks to be lit, exploded, or sold on private property owned or controlled by the resident. Fines for illegal fireworks in Citrus Heights for 2024 begin at $750 for the first violation, and $1,000 for each subsequent violation.

In comparison, Sacramento County adopted fireworks ordinance amendments in an April 2024 meeting, resulting in an increase in illegal fireworks fines. According to the county’s press release dated April 9, fines for Sacramento County began at $1,000 for the first violation, $2,500 for the second violation within 12 months of the first violation, $5,000 for each additional violation within 12 months, and finally, $10,000 for each violation that occurred on school grounds, in parks, or within the American River Parkway.

According to the Citrus Heights Police, the current policy in Citrus Heights is considered a “zero tolerance” ordinance. As part of preparation of anticipated celebrations happening on July 4 and the days prior, Citrus Heights Police disseminated educational materials and public service announcements via mail, email, and social media about the dangers of illegal fireworks use, and advised the public on multiple ways in which to report illegal fireworks.

On June 27, Mayor Bret Daniels called the explosion of illegal fireworks in the middle of the night “very unfortunate” and said it’s “almost impossible” to catch anyone.

“I don’t understand the fool that blows up [fireworks] at three in the morning on July 1,” Daniels said, adding that it takes the person living next door to make the call to police.