Riverside City Council
July 1, 2025

6/18/2025
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RiversideCA.gov
ILLEGAL FIREWORKS ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS -IMPLEMENTATION AND COMMUNITY OUTREACHCITY COUNCILJuly 1, 2025POLICE DEPARTMENT RiversideCA.gov2
•December 17, 2024 – The City Council:Received an Update on Fireworks Enforcement Activities for 2024Approveda recommendation to utilize sUAS Technologyfor Fireworks EnforcementApproved funding for advanced nighttime operation trainingApproved funding for purchase of sUAS and other necessary equipmentBACKGROUND•February 24, 2025 – The City Council introduced and subsequently adopted an ordinance amending RMC 1.18.10 to include:A Social Host Ordinance making social host responsible for illegal fireworks on property and holds parents or guardians liable for juveniles found in violationAllowing theuse of sUAS technology for illegal fireworks enforcement•March 25, 2025 –The City Council authorized a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $86,106.93 for the purchase of sUAS and pilot training 1 2
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sUAS Technology for FireworksFireworks Enforcement: RFP and RPD recommended enhancements to RMC 1.18 to include drone enforcement leading up to and on July 4, 2025Utilizing certified pilots to conduct flights in areas known to have high incidence of illegal fireworksLawfully monitor and video record such activity to establish a nexus between unlawful activityGenerate written reports detailing observations and work with CAO to issue administrative citations based on the observations of evidence.DISCUSSION RiversideCA.gov4
Training Requirements:–Provided training for nighttime operations Equipment Needs:–Five new sUAS with significantly advanced technologyPersonnel Cost:–A sUAS team per Ward–Teams consist of 2 licensed sUAS pilots (Police Officers)–Coordinated efforts with Code Enforcement Officers and RFD Investigators DISCUSSION3 4 6/18/2025
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DISCUSSION The City Attorney’s Office, with City Council approval, amended RMC 1.18to provide a section for:–Social Host Liability: Ordinance now includes language that it is unlawful for any social host to allow by invitation or consent the use of illegal or storage of fireworks, and to hold the parent or guardians of juveniles liable when found to violate RMC 1.18–sUAS:Authorizes RPD to use sUAS for fireworks enforcement–Penalties: Violation of $1,500 per day RiversideCA.gov6
DISCUSSION The City Attorney’s Office – Franchise Tax Board Intercept Program:•In 2023, the CAO established the first ever FTB Intercept Program to collect judgments and fines owed to the City. The FTB Intercept Program is effective because it:–Intercepts tax refunds: It captures tax refunds owed to individuals who have outstanding debts to the City, ensuring these debts are paid.–Encourages timely payment: By intercepting refunds, it incentivizes individuals to pay their debts promptly to avoid losing their refund.–Improves collection rates: This program significantly increases the likelihood of collecting outstanding debts owed to the City. 5 6
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DISCUSSION Community Outreach:- Social Media Posts- Website Banner- Electronic Sign- RPUTV- Flyer/Poster RiversideCA.gov8
RECOMMENDATIONThat the City Council receive and provide input on this overview for implementation and outreach of the Illegal Fireworks Program Enhancements for 4thof July 2025.7 8