Petoskey council adopts stricter limits on professional fireworks, 3–1

The Petoskey City Council voted 3–1 on May 7 to adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 10 (Fire Prevention and Control) to add restrictions and a public‑safety review for professional fireworks displays.

Council debate focused on whether the new limits would unnecessarily curtail professionally organized community shows while doing little to reduce the consumer-fireworks the state already allows. Council member Nobtrough said the change would “impose stricter limits on the safest and most responsibly managed fireworks while allowing broader use of consumer fireworks under state law,” and added, “I support a reasonable notice requirement … but I do not support restricting professional displays more harshly than consumer fireworks.”

City Manager Shane Horn told the council the ordinance would not affect a permit the council had already accepted: staff confirmed existing, accepted applications are not retroactively voided. Council member Wilmot moved to adopt the ordinance; the motion carried with a 3–1 vote.

The ordinance updates were discussed at second reading; councilors agreed the changes add a public‑safety review element to the permitting process and adjust allowable dates and review responsibilities. The measure will be published per city procedures and implemented by the public-safety department and city staff.

Outcome and next steps: The ordinance was adopted 3–1. City staff will post the ordinance text and the amended permitting procedures on the city website and apply the new review steps to future professional-fireworks permit requests.