Placentia makes consumer fireworks illegal again, classifies violations as misdemeanors

Placentia City Council voted April 21 to adopt ordinance O2026‑06, which makes all fireworks illegal within city limits and classifies violations as misdemeanors. City staff said the ordinance replaces a fireworks code section removed in 2022 and will provide police and code enforcement new authority to respond to community complaints during summer months.

Administrative Lieutenant Tom McKenzie and Assistant City Attorney Christy Smith presented the ordinance and said it includes clear definitions of fireworks classifications and enforcement pathways. "This new ordinance will provide clear definitions of all classifications of fireworks and give us the ability to address numerous complaints and calls for service that we receive each year regarding illegal fireworks," the presenter said.

Councilmembers expressed support for stronger enforcement tools and noted interest in leveraging available technology and public safety resources for enforcement, including coordination with dispatch and code enforcement. The measure passed on a recorded vote of four in favor with one member not voting. The ordinance becomes enforceable according to the implementation schedule in the adopted code.