Zoning board approves temporary fireworks tent at Hoover Road shopping center

The Warren City Zoning Board of Appeals on May 13 approved a petition allowing a temporary outdoor retail fireworks tent at 24800 Hoover Road from June 21 through July 6, 2026.

Karen Birdie, attorney for applicant Jonathan Salaka, told the board the proposed 30-by-30 tent is the same site plan used at the location for years and presented a packet of documentation including a Michigan fireworks certificate, a $5,000 bond, a $1 million liability policy naming the City of Warren and state rules and floor plans reviewed by the state fire bureau. "I believe that my client runs a very safe and compliant operation and I would ask you to please approve his petition here tonight," Birdie said.

Board members questioned whether temporary sales should be limited or treated differently from other seasonal vendors. Mr. Lindsay said the presentation did not demonstrate a "practical difficulty" tied to the property and announced he would vote no. Other members said the applicant met safety and permitting standards and noted the tent would be inspected by the state and local fire bureau before operation. Concerns about economic fairness with brick-and-mortar sellers were raised but did not carry the vote.

The board voted to grant the temporary outdoor retail operation, with Mr. Safia, Mr. Perry, Mr. Assessor, Mr. Watts, Mr. Green and Chairman Stovich voting to approve and Mr. Lindsay and Mr. Jersey voting no.

The approval was limited to the dates and configuration presented; the board discussed that compliance inspections by state or city officials are routine under the Fireworks Safety Act and related rules. Petitioners and staff were instructed to coordinate with the fire bureau and building inspectors on any required inspections before opening.