Port Orchard revives discussion on banning personal fireworks in the city

PORT ORCHARD — The city of Port Orchard has been discussing banning the use and sale of personal fireworks within city limits, two years after an ordinance was proposed in 2022.

In the city council’s work study session on May 21, council members discussed whether to revisit the proposed ordinance to restrict the sale, possession, use, and discharge of personal fireworks within the city. The ordinance doesn't affect public fireworks displays.

"It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to import, manufacture, transport (except as a public carrier delivering to a licensee), possess, store, sell or offer to sell at retail or wholesale or discharge fireworks inside the city limits of the city of Port Orchard; provided, that this prohibition shall not apply to duly authorized public displays. Any item of fireworks which does not meet the State of Washington Fire Marshal’s approval in conformity with RCW Chapter 70.77, as amended shall be deemed dangerous and is prohibited by this chapter," according to the proposed ordinance in 2022.

The land use committee recommended the city council discuss the ordinance, a survey the city conducted that year, and public comments received two years ago, according to the study session packet on May 21.

Right now, the sales and private use of approved fireworks in the city are allowed under the city's existing code. Fireworks sales are permitted in the commercial heavy and industrial flex zones and fireworks may be discharged within the city limits, according to the packet.

More in 2022: Port Orchard City Council votes against banning personal fireworks on Fourth of July

The 2022 survey shows that 69% of those who responded to the survey supported a ban on fireworks. The city received 367 completed responses and 84% of them were done by Port Orchard residents.

Of those who completed the survey and are city residents, fire danger (94%), noise (86%), and impacts on pets (85%) were the top three reasons given to support the ban. Other reasons are litter (83%), impacts on people (PTSD, etc.) (78%), destruction of property (66%), risk of injury (53%), smoke (53%) and water pollution (48%).

More: Fires up in Kitsap County in 2022, but no firm reasons why

Some discussion in the study session in May includes the possibility to set a designated firework zone, putting the ban on a ballot, or conducting another survey. At the end of the meeting, the council direct city staff to research creating a firework zone in downtown and the discussion will continue at the next work study session on July 16.

Two years ago, city council members voted 5-2 against the ordinance. Council members who voted against it said more community input was needed.

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Port Orchard city discusses personal fireworks ban