UPDATE ON ILLEGAL
FIREWORKS &
ENFORCEMENT
GROVERBEACH.ORG
Jim Munro, Police Commander
Steve Lieberman, Fire Chief
Illegal Fireworks & Enforcement
GROVERBEACH.ORG
Background
• June 2020: GB Fireworks Ordinance limiting 'safe and sane' fireworks to July 4th
• Since 2020, Police Department has enhanced enforcement efforts on illegal fireworks
• July 2021: Drones began being used for July 4th enforcement of illegal fireworks
• Overall fireworks calls for service have declined since 2020 Illegal Fireworks & Enforcement
GROVERBEACH.ORG
Year Fireworks Calls for
Service July 3-5
# of
Citations
Annually
Average # of Officers
Per Shift During July 3-
5 Total Fireworks calls
for service during the
Year
2019 44 0 2.5 95
2020 81 13 5.3 299
2021 68 6 4 219
2022 70 5 3.3 186
2023* 57 5 3 117
Average 64 5.8 3.62 183.2
*Year to date
Illegal Fireworks & Enforcement
GROVERBEACH.ORG
Social Host Ordinances
• Hold property owner or tenant responsible for illegal fireworks violations “hosted” at the property
• Increased fines up to $10,000 in Charter Cities
• Maximum fine allowed by law is $1,000 in Grover Beach as a General Law City
• Current state illegal fireworks laws already allow for issuance of $1,000 citations
Illegal Fireworks & Enforcement
GROVERBEACH.ORG
Safe and Sane Fireworks Oversight
• Oversight of fireworks booth currently by City Manager’s Office and Police Department
• Five Cities Fire Authority oversees process in Arroyo Grande • Staff recommends similar approach in Grover Beach for consistency given common fire agency
• Recommended direction to staff to bring back ordinance change to allow for this change
Questions or Comments?
Illegal Fireworks & Enforcement
GROVERBEACH.ORG