Citrus Heights eyes steeper fines, expanded enforcement for illegal fireworks

By Sara Beth Williams–
The Citrus Heights City Council on Wednesday will be asked to approve amendments to the current fireworks ordinance that would both increase fines and tighten enforcement capabilities.

The proposed ordinance changes were prompted by multiple residents’ concerns regarding fire danger and inability to enjoy a “quiet environment” due to illegal fireworks, according to a staff report.

In order to ensure consistency of ordinance language and fines, the city reviewed current fireworks ordinances in multiple neighboring jurisdictions, including Roseville, Folsom, Rancho Cordova, Woodland, Sacramento County, and Stockton.

Currently the Citrus Heights fireworks ordinance stipulates fines of $750 to a social host for discharge of illegal fireworks, $1,000 for a second offense, and $1,000 for a third offense. This is consistent with Roseville and similar to Woodland’s fireworks ordinance.

The recommended changes to the ordinance include increasing violation fees and would also stipulate that each illegal firework discharged will be a single violation of the ordinance. The first violation would result in a $1,000 fine for each device, a $2,500 fine for each device on the second offense, and a $5,000 fine for each device on subsequent offenses within a 12-month timeframe. The increased penalties are consistent with ordinances in Folsom, Rancho Cordova, and Sacramento County, according to the city.

The city recommends changing the language to clarify that violations can occur in areas “under the host’s apparent control,” which would include adjacent sidewalks and streets. According to the city, changing the language allows enforcement of the social host ordinance when illegal fireworks are shot off on sidewalks or streets in front of a residence. The current policy does not specify or include the sidewalk or street adjacent to the host’s private property, the city said.

If approved by the City Council, the proposed ordinance will be scheduled for a second reading and adoption at the next City Council meeting on April 23, with an effective date 30 days thereafter.

Those wishing to make a public comment during the meeting can do so by attending the council meeting on Wednesday, April 9, at City Hall, at 6 p.m., or by submitting a written comment beforehand using the city’s website. The deadline to submit comments online is 4 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

City Hall is located at 6360 Fountain Square Drive.

Read the full agenda packet here.