Committee directs staff to draft standalone fireworks regulation for San Clemente municipal code

The Community Safety and Welfare Committee voted to direct city staff to draft a standalone fireworks regulation to be added to the San Clemente municipal code. A committee member moved that staff "generate a comprehensive firework regulation for review by the city council to be added to our municipal code," a motion that was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Staff member Adam told the committee he will present research and proposed language at the October meeting and, if needed, bring the item as a council ordinance with a second reading in November so any change could take effect 30 days after adoption. Adam told the group the short-term priorities are to "clarify what is legal and what is not" in the municipal code and to begin public information work for the upcoming holidays.

The committee also agreed to form a subcommittee (volunteers named in the meeting included Jim, Mike and Gary) to meet with staff on fine structure and final wording before the proposal goes to council. Staff said it will also invite Orange County Fire Authority and Orange County Sheriff’s Department representatives to the October meeting to brief on operational and enforcement considerations.