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Anaheim, CA 92805
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CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT
DATE: MAY 13, 2025
FROM: FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: AMEND CHAPTER 6.40 (FIREWORKS) OF THE ANAHEIM
MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD PROVISIONS IMPOSING HOST
LIABILITY (SECOND READING)
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): YES ITEM # 25
GOVERNMENT CODE § 84308 APPLIES: NO
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council, by Ordinance, amend Chapter 6.40 (Fireworks) of the Anaheim Municipal Code to add provisions imposing Host liability.
DISCUSSION:
On April 22, 2025, the City Council introduced an ordinance to amend Chapter 6.40 (Fireworks) of the Anaheim Municipal Code to add provisions imposing host liability.
In response to the question raised by Council Member Ryan Balius during the April 22, 2025, City Council meeting, this ordinance would hold hosts liable if fireworks are illegally possessed, sold, or discharged on their premises. It would also apply to hosts who assist or enable such illegal activities on nearby public rights-of-way. To further clarify, this regulation also applies to “safe and sane” fireworks when they are discharged outside of the approved dates, times, or locations specified in the ordinance.
This accountability measure is intended to encourage greater responsibility among those hosting or overseeing events and gatherings, and to deter the illegal possession, sale or discharge of all fireworks throughout the city.
It is important to note that this ordinance is not intended to place an undue burden on residents who legally and responsibly celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. Instead, the ordinance is tailored to address reckless and unlawful behavior that poses threats to the community and strains City resources.
If the City Council adopts the subject ordinance, it will become effective in 30 days.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
Adoption of this Code amendment has no budgetary impact. Related enforcement activities are funded within existing departmental budgets.
Ordinance amending Chapter 6.40 (Fireworks) of the Anaheim Municipal Code to Add Provisions Imposing Host Liability (Second Reading) May 13, 2025
Respectfully submitted, Concurred by,
Pat Russell Rick P. Armendariz
Fire Chief Chief of Police
Concurred by,
Heather Allen
Planning & Building Director
Attachments:
1. Ordinance
2. April 22, 2025, City Council Staff Report (without attachments)