Direction on an Ordinance to Ban
the Sale and Distribution of
Mylar Balloons
Tim Haines, General Manager
Alameda Municipal Power
1 AGENDA ITEM NO.:
MEETING DATE: 11/18/24
EXHIBIT A
October 20, 2025
Summary & Recommendation
2 • City Council directed staff to present options for an ordinance prohibiting the sale and distribution of mylar balloons in Alameda.
• Staff proposes consideration of a citywide ordinance.
Background
3 • AB 847 (2022) phases out conductive metallic balloon sales statewide by 2027 - 2031.
• Mylar balloons cause occasional power outages.
• Staff reviewed eight California cities ordinances and conducted outreach to businesses.
• Staff is restricting mylar balloon use as a condition for event permits and any use of public space such as parks.
• Staff is expanding education campaigns, especially around graduations, holidays, and major events.
Local Impact
4 • 54 mylar balloon incidents over 5 years; 7 resulted in outages, four of which were less than 5 seconds.
• The remaining 3 outages range from 0.75 to 2 hours,
affecting 60 to 200 customers.
• Estimated cost per incident: $25,000.
Ordinance Considerations
5 • Consider an ordinance to ban sale/distribution of mylar balloons until state law is fully implemented.
• Ordinance options could include:
• Complaint driven or actively enforced
• Restricting only mylar balloons or a broader helium ban • Immediate versus a phased implementation of
outreach, education and then enforcement
• Tracking outcomes
Outreach Findings
6 • Retailers: 80% of balloon sales are mylar; latex
alternatives seen as inadequate. Retailer types include grocery, party and discount stores and florists.
• Retailers unlikely to voluntarily phase out sales; prefer ordinance-based compliance.
• Peer cities rely on complaint-driven enforcement; public support grows with education.
Financial & Environmental Impact
7 • No additional financial resources required, pending direction. Complaint-based, phased enforcement is
within existing Code Enforcement budget with support
from Economic Development on outreach.
• Action aligns with Climate Action and Resiliency Plan.
Recommendation
8 • Provide direction on an ordinance to ban the sale and distribution of mylar balloons in Alameda.