Agenda Item No. 7
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council DATE: June 23, 2025 FROM: Matthew Bronson, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Jim Munro, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: July 4th Fireworks Enforcement Update
RECOMMENDATION
Receive a report on planned July 4th illegal fireworks enforcement and implementation of the new social host ordinance.
BACKGROUND
The discharge of illegal fireworks is a common problem faced by many jurisdictions in California, including Grover Beach and the surrounding communities. Beginning in 2021, the Police Department has used drone technology to help identify violators from above. The drones have proven successful by allowing staff to safely observe violations from the air and dispatch ground units. Additionally, the department believes the use of drones has been effective in reducing the use of illegal fireworks because of their well-advertised presence. As shown in the table below, since 2020 there has been an average of 63 fireworks calls during the July 4th call period though the annual number has decreased since 2020 with a significant decline in 2024. The Police Department has had an average of four officers on duty per shift during this period and has issued an average of seven citations annually for illegal fireworks activity:
However, illegal fireworks activity has remained a concern for the public. During an update to the Council on March 10, 2025 about fireworks enforcement and oversight, the Police Department presented the concept of a “Social Host” ordinance as another tool to help deter illegal fireworks activity. Such an ordinance has been successfully in other cities and the Council directed staff to agendize a discussion on such an ordinance. The Council subsequently adopted this ordinance on May 26, 2025 which goes into effect on June 27, 2025. The ordinance aims to reduce the use of dangerous and illegal fireworks by holding social hosts within the City of Grover Beach responsible. Social hosts are defined as property owners, tenants, or anyone else having control over a property being used to host a gathering where dangerous fireworks are being used.
Staff Report: July 4th Fireworks Enforcement Update
June 23, 2025
Upon passage of this ordinance, the Police Department committed to conducing community outreach to help educate the community of the newly enacted ordinance. To date, the Police Department has released a series of social media posts and videos specific to this topic. These social media posts will continue through the July 4th holiday. Additionally, the Community Development Department has also contacted all short-term rental operators about the new ordinance. The Police Department will continue with community outreach through the July 4th holiday. A scheduled media release will be provided to local media outlets on June 27 and electronic sign boards will be placed on Grand Avenue during the week before July 4.
Prior to enforcing the new ordinance, the Police Department will ensure that all staff members responsible for enforcing the ordinance have received proper training before enforcement begins on June 27. This year, the Police Department plans to have additional firework enforcement units on duty before, during, and after the 4th of July holiday in response to community complaints.
FISCAL IMPACT
There will be an additional cost to the City with extra Police Officers on duty during the July 4th holiday but the exact fiscal impact has not yet been determined. Any fines collected from violations of this new ordinance will be used to offset any additional fireworks related enforcement costs incurred by the City.
ALTERNATIVES
The Council has the following alternatives to consider:
1. Receive a report on the implementation of the social host ordinance and planned July 4th illegal fireworks enforcement; or
2. Provide alternative direction to staff.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION
The agenda was posted in accordance with the Brown Act.