Commission introduces amendment to ban sky lanterns, cites fire risk and county coordination

Commissioner Manser moved to introduce and give first reading to an amendment to Fireworks Ordinance 20.64 that would add a definition for sky lanterns and ban their use in the city of Mount Clemens, with a second reading and adoption scheduled for Sept. 21, 2015.

"The use of sky lanterns is growing in popularity in urban areas, presenting a risk of fire and possibly jeopardizing public safety," City manager Brown said, explaining the devices are unmanned floating structures with a lit candle whose heat causes them to rise and potentially travel many miles before coming to rest.

Brown told commissioners that Macomb-area communities had discussed a countywide ban and that a joint letter of support had gone to County Executive Mark Hackel. The county executive’s legal review, Brown said, indicated it may be difficult to enact a countywide ban; consequently, Brown said local ordinances remain the practical route for restricting sky lanterns.

Brown also noted city legal staff flagged potential issues around religious exemptions and that other communities had considered language to distinguish tethered devices from untethered sky lanterns. The commission set a second reading for Sept. 21, 2015.

The motion to introduce the amendment carried on roll call. The introduction places the proposed ban on the commission calendar for a formal vote at the scheduled second reading.