The North Royalton City Council has been discussing whether to continue to ban the setting off of fireworks in the city, yield to the recent state law adoption, legalizing fireworks on certain days, or a hybrid.
Last fall, The Ohio legislature adopted a bill that would allow the discharge of some fireworks.
“Beginning July 1, 2022, Ohio residents (and nonresidents) can discharge consumer grade fireworks in Ohio, in accordance with upcoming safety regulations, either on their own property or on another person’s property with permission EXCEPT where a political subdivision has chosen to opt out, meaning they will not allow people to discharge consumer grade fireworks. The political subdivision may also choose to place additional restrictions on when a person can discharge consumer grade fireworks,” according to the Ohio.gov website. The following holidays were noted as the days that those fireworks would be allowable: New Year’s Day, Lunar New Year, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day Weekend, Juneteenth, July 3, 4, and 5, and the Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays before and after July 4, Labor Day Weekend, Diwali, New Year’s Eve.
North Royalton Law Director Tom Kelly advised Council that they should consider a new piece of legislation, even if they wish to continue the ban on fireworks altogether. The new legislation would reinforce the city’s stand on the measure.
Council discussed the pros and cons of the potential legislation, citing noise complaints that come with loud fireworks, as well as enforcement issues. “My biggest concern is area. We have areas where we have very tight housing,” stated Mayor Larry Antoskiewicz. “My other issue is you have ten other holidays, which is what you are going to wind up with this statute.” He also said that it will put more of a burden on the police department.
Legislation is expected to be introduced at a future point, and the discussion will continue at the next City Council Safety meeting, which will take place on Tuesday, April 19, at 6: p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers. At the time of this writing, Council appears to be mixed as to whether the City should continue the ban, to allow the State’s new law, or to come up with another option.
By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer