Backyard fireworks a no-go in Dublin, despite state loosening laws on pyrotechnics

Dublin's public-information office is to work with the Dublin Police Department and the Washington Township Fire Department to remind Dublin residents that fireworks cannot lawfully be set off in the city limit.

Dublin City Council on June 13 unanimously adopted a resolution that reaffirmed its local regulations concerning the use of consumer-grade fireworks in the city limit.

The resolution reaffirmed "the City’s intent to continue to enforce the current code provisions regarding fireworks, including the regulations regarding the sale, possession, discharge, ignition, or explosion of fireworks within the City,” according to a June 7 memo from Dublin City Manager Dana McDaniel to members of Dublin City Council that recommended council's approval of the resolution.

The resolution states that on Nov. 8, 2021, Governor Mike DeWine signed H.B. 172, which generally permits individuals in Ohio to purchase and discharge fireworks within the state.

However, H.B. 172 also permits political subdivisions to prohibit the use of fireworks and regulate the use of fireworks through the enforcement of ordinances or resolutions that regulate noise, disturbing the peace or disorderly conduct, according to city staff.

The provision of H.B. 172 that permits individuals to purchase and detonate fireworks within the state goes into effect July 1.

The city of Dublin previously enacted its own regulations regarding fireworks and Resolution 29-22 reaffirms the previously enacted regulations concerning fireworks, according to Lindsay Weisenauer, Dublin’s director of communications and public affairs.

Washington Township Fire Chief Alec O’Connell and Dublin Police Chief Justin Páez recommend that Dublin continue to prohibit the sale of fireworks by unlicensed entities, as well as the discharge, ignition or explosion of fireworks within the city limit, according to the memo from McDaniel that was initiated by Páez and Dublin’s law director, Jennifer Readler.

Resolution 29-22 reads in part that O’Connell and Páez recommend that Dublin opt out of H.B. 172 and reaffirm the existing ban on the detonation of fireworks in the city limit, and resolves “all provisions of the City of Dublin codified ordinances, including but not limited to Chapter 93… concerning the sale, possession, discharge, ignition, or exploding of fireworks, and all ordinances that regulate noise, disturbance of the peace, and disorderly conduct, will remain in full force and effect regardless of the permissions granted in H.B. 172.”

Páez addressed City Council on June 13, explaining that while DeWine had signed a law allowing Ohioans to ignite fireworks, the same law provided political subdivision to enact local regulations if desired.

It is Dublin's intent to "continue to enforce the current code prohibiting fireworks," Páez said.

There were no comments from anyone in the public concerning the ordinance at the meeting.

Councilwoman Chris Amorose Groomes asked whether enforcement would be an issue.

Páez replied that while a "heavy night" is anticipated July 4 responding to fireworks-related calls, "no additional challenges" were expected.

Councilwoman Amy Kramb asked whether the city was undertaking any informational campaigns; Páez replied that the city is working with the public-relations office on a public-awareness campaign that the new state law does not apply to Dublin.

DeWine signed a fireworks bill into law June 6 that should allow people to ignite firecrackers, Roman candles and other consumer-grade fireworks on more than 20 days a year.

But local communities can opt out or restrict the dates and times fireworks can be set off.

In communities that do not opt out, H.B. 172 is to allow Ohioans to shoot off fireworks legally, starting July 1, on certain holidays.

Ohio's previous law only permitted consumers to use sparklers and a handful of other pyrotechnics. Consumers were allowed to purchase other fireworks but couldn't legally ignite them in Ohio and were required to take them out of the state within 48 hours.

The new law is to allow adults to use consumer-grade fireworks on private property on more than 20 days, including New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, Cinco de Mayo, Juneteenth, Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends and July 3, 4, 5, as well as the three-day weekends bracketing July 4.

Cities that already have enacted bans or are considering them include Bexley, Powell, Upper Arlington, Hilliard and Worthington.

Reynoldsburg City Council on June 13 voted to allow fireworks on July 4 only, but because the new rule wasn't approved by emergency, it doesn't take effect until July 15. That means the city would follow state law this year.

The new state law doesn't affect Westerville's ban, according to Christa Dickey, the city's community-affairs director.

For updates on Gahanna's decision, please check online.

kcorvo@thisweeknews.com

@ThisWeekCorvo

This article originally appeared on ThisWeek: Backyard fireworks a no-go in Dublin, despite state loosening laws on pyrotechnics