7b - Update FWRC regarding FireworksFireworks
Update of the Federal Way Revised Code Regarding Fireworks
City Council Meeting
November 117, aoi5
Background
State law controls fireworks sale and use, but expressly
authorizes cities to pass more restrictive ordinances
Federal Way has banned amateur fireworks displays
since 1990
Recent home fire prompted review of ordinance
Currently, the fireworks ban is enforced under the
general civil code enforcement authority:
ist offense - sioo
Znd offense - $200
3rd offense - $300
Fine amount of sioo is considered too low to act as an
effective deterrent
Proposed Changes
Removes tiered -enforcement approach
Increases fine amount to $a5o. (PRHSPSC forwarded a
modified proposed ordinance setting the fine at $500)
Adopts criminal sanctions for reckless use of fireworks
Housekeeping:
Removes restatements of state law where they are
unnecessary
Changes wording to be consistent with language used in
statute
Moves "Fireworks" from Title 12, "Businesses" to Title 6
"Public Safety and Welfare"
King County Cities that Ban Fireworks
Emergency Ban - No fine listed
$125
$500
Misdemeanor
$250
Emergency Ban - No fine listed
Emergency Ban - No fine listed
Possession $500
Discharge $1,000
Emergency Ban - No fine listed
$200
3rd offense in 5 years is a misdemeanor
$300
General Code Enforcement Provision:
$15o or misdemeanor at fire marshal's discretion
Gross misdemeanor
$100 to $500
Possession $500
Discharge $l000
Misdemeanor
Gross misdemeanor
General Code Enforcement Provision:
1st violation - $1oo
end violation - $175
3rd violation - $250
Misdemeanor
$250
Mayor's Recommendation
The Mayor recommends approval of the proposed
ordinance with a fine amount of $300 for each violation.