By Gina Yarbrough
Oceanside, CA–The city of Oceanside is cracking down on illegal fireworks that have plague the city during peak fireworks periods.
The Oceanside city council voted 5-0 on May 6, to adopt an Illegal Fireworks Abatement Ordinance, adding a new enforcement framework to the city’s existing ban. The ordinance establishes tiered administrative fines, cost recovery for emergency response, and a coordinated drone-and-ground patrol program targeting peak fireworks periods. The council will review the ordinance at a second reading, and if adopted, would take effect June 19.
Personal use of fireworks is illegal in San Diego County, because each year, severe injuries and costly property loss from fires sparked by fireworks occur.
Under the new ordinance, illegal firework activity is declared a public nuisance subject to administrative enforcement.
Violators can face $1,000 for the first violation and $2,500 for the second one. Each additional violation within one year is $5,000, and a maximum per property per calendar year is $10,000.
Property owners and hosts who knowingly allow or promote illegal fireworks use on their property would also be subject to these penalties. Unpaid fines can be placed as liens on property and collected through the tax roll. The city may also recover the costs of any fireworks-related emergency response.
During the first 12 months following the ordinance’s effective date, penalties will be reduced by 50 percent as residents become familiar with the new rules.
