Mount Clemens introduces first reading to limit consumer fireworks, sets March 18 for adoption

The Mount Clemens City Commission on March 5 introduced an amendment to the city fireworks ordinance (Section 20.64) that would reduce the number of days consumers may set off fireworks from 30 to 12 and prohibit fireworks after 11:45 p.m. The commission set March 18, 2019, for the ordinance's second reading and potential adoption.

City staff said the change follows recent state law. "On 12/28/2018, Governor Snyder signed into law Public Acts 634, 635, and 636 amending the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act," the city manager stated, adding that the legislation "authorizes local municipalities to significantly reduce the number of days and hours that a person may ignite, discharge, or use consumer fireworks." The staff explanation to the commission noted the proposed amendment would reduce allowable days from 30 to 12 and prohibit fireworks after 11:45 p.m.

A commissioner moved to approve the introduction and first reading; the motion received support and passed on a roll-call vote. The commission did not adopt the ordinance on first reading; a second reading and adoption are scheduled for March 18, 2019.

Why it matters: The amendment would shorten the local period in which fireworks are allowed and set a citywide nighttime cutoff, changes that could affect community celebrations and enforcement responsibilities for the city's public-safety staff.

Next steps: The ordinance returns for a second reading and possible adoption on March 18. If adopted, enforcement provisions and an effective date would be finalized at that meeting or in the ordinance language as adopted.