Social Host Ordinance
for Illegal Fireworks
Enforcement
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Jim Munro, Police Chief
Bryan Millard, Police Commander
Social Host Ordinance
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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. • On April 28, 2025, the Council reviewed the social host framework and directed staff to move forward with a first reading.
Social Host Ordinance
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Purpose
• Administrative fines against “hosts” for violating any provision of this ordinance to encourage and obtain compliance for
community protection.
• 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
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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 will 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
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Violations
• $1000 administrative fine for each violation of the ordinance. • Payment and appeals would be handled in accordance with Chapter 4 of the GBMC
• Misdemeanor pursuant to Chapter 4 of the GBMC
Social Host Ordinance
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Fines Collected
• 65% forwarded to State Fire Marshal pursuant to state law • Balance of revenues collected intended to offset costs associated with the enforcement of the ordinance
Social Host Ordinance
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Public Outreach
• The Police Department will lead a public outreach campaign in preparation for July 4th enforcement
• The outreach will consist of:
• Social media post on city social media channels
• Media release to all local media outlets
• Electronic signage along Grand Avenue
• Email to all short-term rental permit holders
Social Host Ordinance
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County of San Luis Obispo
• The County of San Luis Obispo adopted a similar ordinance on May 20, 2025, that covers the unincorporated areas of the county.
Questions or Comments?
Social Host Ordinance
GROVERBEACH.ORG