Chapter 9.60
PROHIBITION OF FIREWORKS
Sections:
9.60.030 Fireworks Within City Limits.
9.60.040 Exceptions to Fireworks Within City Limits.
9.60.060 Disposition of Fines.
9.60.010 Purpose and Intent.
The purposes of this chapter include protection of the public health, safety, and general welfare and a reduction in the number of fire incidents. (Ord. 08-9 § 2, 8/26/08)
9.60.020 Definitions.
“Fireworks” means and includes:
A. Any combustible or explosive composition or any substance or combination of substances or articles prepared for the purpose of producing visible, thermal, or audible effects by combustion, explosion, deflagration or detonation, whether manufactured, homemade, or improvised.
B. Fireworks classified by the State Fire Marshal as “dangerous fireworks” and as “safe and sane fireworks” pursuant to Health and Safety Code Sections 12505 and 12529, as amended.
C. Any pyrotechnic device for which the State Fire Marshal requires a license to manufacture, sell, transport, or operate.
D. Firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, Roman candles, fountains, cherry bombs, sparklers, chasers, snakes, or other fireworks of like or similar construction and any fireworks containing any explosive or flammable compound or substance. (Ord. 08-9 § 2, 8/26/08)
9.60.030 Fireworks Within City limits.
A. Except as otherwise provided, it is unlawful for any person to handle, give away, sell, offer for sale, solicit the sale of, manufacture, possess, purchase, use, ignite, explode, fire, or otherwise discharge any fireworks within the City of Santa Clarita or to aid or abet any of the above with respect to fireworks as defined.
B. Any property owner or person in control of property who allows a person to sell, use, discharge, or possess fireworks, or provide fireworks to a minor, on the property owned by such a person or under such person’s control shall be in violation of this chapter, regardless of such person’s intent, knowledge or negligence, such violation being hereby expressly declared a strict liability offense. (Ord. 08-9 § 2, 8/26/08)
9.60.040 Exceptions to Fireworks Within City Limits.
A. This prohibition does not apply to the discharge of approved fireworks by a licensed pyrotechnician at an event sponsored or approved by the City.
B. A public display of fireworks, provided there is a permit authorizing such possession, use, or discharge issued by the Los Angeles County Fire Department and such person, organization, or company is in possession of a valid pyrotechnic operator’s license issued by the Office of the State Fire Marshal and done so in accordance with California Fire Code.
C. The use of fireworks for television, film, theater, or movie production, provided there is a permit authorizing such possession, use, or discharge issued by the Los Angeles County Fire Department and such person, organization, or company is in possession of a valid pyrotechnic operator’s license issued by the Office of the State Fire Marshal and done so in accordance with California Fire Code.
D. Flares or fuses used for illumination or signal purposes by railroad, Sheriff’s, California Highway Patrol or other transportation agencies, or by individuals using such flares or fuses in connection with automobile accidents.
E. The sale or use of blank cartridges for theatrical purposes, athletic events, or military ceremonials. (Ord. 08-9 § 2, 8/26/08)
9.60.050 Penalties.
A. Any violation of the provisions of this chapter are hereby declared a nuisance and may be prosecuted civilly or criminally pursuant to Title 23, as either an infraction, misdemeanor, civil nuisance or administrative citation; however, the fine for any administrative citation shall be five hundred dollars ($500.00) for a first offense and one thousand dollars ($1,000) for any subsequent offenses that occur on or before the anniversary of the first offense.
B. In addition to any and all fines or other punishment for noncompliance with this chapter, fireworks within the limits of the City of Santa Clarita are subject to confiscation and destruction by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles County Fire Department. (Ord. 08-9 § 2, 8/26/08; Ord. 17-7 § 1, 6/27/17)
9.60.060 Disposition of Fines.
All fines collected by the City or Sheriff as penalties for violating this chapter will be placed in the General Fund to cover the cost of enforcing this chapter. (Ord. 08-9 § 2, 8/26/08)