HomeMy WebLinkAbout090 - 06/03/2025 - AMENDING SECTION 9-23 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS REGARDING THE USE OF FIREWORKSORDINANCE NO. 090, 2025
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AMENDING SECTION 9-23 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
FORT COLLINS REGARDING THE USE OF FIREWORKS
A.Fort Collins Police Services (FCPS) staff continue to receive numerous
reports from community members regarding noise occurrences throughout the City.
These reports span a variety of sources, including fireworks.
B.In response, police staff have reviewed areas for consideration and
potential updates were identified and presented to City Council at the April 22, 2025, work
session.
C.Amending the current fireworks ordinance in Section 9-23 of the Fort Collins
Municipal Code enable police staff to address and hold the person(s) that have a
possessory interest in a location accountable for illegal fireworks being used.
D.The current ordinance presents limitations in enforcement, often requiring
police to identify the specific person who ignited the fireworks. This approach can present
challenges identifying the specific person responsible when police respond to calls for
service after the fireworks have already been used.
E.The proposed amended Code language would help improve accountability
and support more effective regulation of fireworks within City limits.
In light of the foregoing recitals, which the Council hereby makes and adopts as
determinations and findings, BE IT ORD AINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT COLLINS that Section 9-23 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 9-23. -Prohibited open fires and open burning.
The following types of open fires and open burning are prohibited in the City at all times:
(2)Any person using fireworks, or the owner, occupant, tenant or person
otherwise having any possessory control, individually or j ointly with others, who is
present where fireworks are being used, except as allowed in the International Fire
Code as adopted by City Council in this Chapter or by a special events permit
issued by the City.
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Introduced,considered favorably on first reading on May 20,2025,and approved
on second reading for final passage on June 3,2025.
Effective Date:June 13,2025
Approving Attorney:Dawn Downs
Exhibits:None
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