Commission approves Winebrenners’ plan for seasonal fireworks sales with conditions

The Saline County Planning and Zoning Commission approved CUP 26-03 on June 23, 2026, allowing seasonal short-term fireworks sales from an existing commercial structure at 5152 West State Street.

Staff explained the property is in the .01% annual-chance flood zone (100-year flood plain) and is zoned agricultural. The county planner said the city of Salina building department provided written guidance that small seasonal retail structures at this site may be treated as temporary uses and therefore might not require a full commercial permit review, provided there is no long-term on-site storage of fireworks. Staff recommended approval with conditions that include a site plan showing traffic flow and ingress/egress, secured off-season storage (fencing or similar), and a fire plan consistent with county policy for permanent fireworks stands.

Eric Winebrenner, who said he lives in Salina and represents Winebrenners, told the commission the business has operated fireworks sales for more than three decades and plans to move from tent operations into the building to reduce storm and security risks. "...we intend to just move everything to the back under the loft and you know... set up, sell our fireworks for 8 days and then right back to basic use," Winebrenner said, describing seasonal storage and operations.

Commissioners questioned how non-fireworks items and flammable materials would be handled when the building returns to regular use; Winebrenner said tools and other non-flammable items would be moved to the back of the building during sales. The county's fire inspector was noted as the authority who will enforce fire-safety requirements before sales may proceed.

A motion to approve CUP 26-03 with staff conditions was moved and seconded. The commission voted to approve the permit and the motion carried.