Social Host Ordinance
Framework for Illegal
Fireworks Enforcement
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Bryan Millard,
Police Commander
Social Host Ordinance Framework
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Background
• Since 2020, the Police Department has enhanced enforcement efforts on illegal fireworks, including the use of drone technology • Illegal fireworks calls have declined but continue to represent a significant fire and life safety issue for the community
• At the March 10, 2025 council meeting, the Council learned about social host ordinances used for illegal fireworks enforcement
• Staff were asked to research and present a regulatory framework for a social host ordinance for the city prior to drafting and introducing it in May Social Host Ordinance Framework
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Purpose
• A social host ordinance would implement administrative fines against “hosts” for allowing or participating in illegal fireworks incidents at identified properties within the city.
• Hosts are defined as:
• Owners of private property
• Persons who have rights to use, possess, or occupy property • Any person who hosts, organizes, supervises, or accepts responsibility for a gathering at a private property.
Social Host Ordinance Framework
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Host Liability
• No host shall permit or fail to prevent the possession, sale, use, display, explosion or discharge of dangerous fireworks on the host’s property or an adjacent sidewalk or street
• It is the duty of the host to take all reasonable steps to prevent the discharge of dangerous fireworks on the host’s property or adjacent sidewalk or street
• This liability would not apply to
• Use of “safe and sane” fireworks
• Those who initiate calls to law enforcement or fire officials • Common areas for multi-family residential properties
Social Host Ordinance Framework
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Ordinance Violations
• $1000 administrative fine for each violation of the ordinance • Payment and appeals would be handled in accordance with current municipal code (GBMC Chapter 37)
• Administrative fines for possession/use of less than 25 pounds of dangerous fireworks
• 25 pounds or more would be handled through existing law, to include fines and or jail as provided under CA Penal Code 12700 Questions or Comments?
Social Host Ordinance Framework
GROVERBEACH.ORG