New Rules Would Ban Fireworks in Farmington Hills, Except on State-Designated Holidays

While a new state law allowing more powerful fireworks didn't lead to any injuries or major incidents over the 4th of July holiday, complaints about the noise in Farmington Hills neighborhoods have been rolling in.

"There was more activity than we thought, and before we thought it was going to take place," city manager Steve Brock told officials during Monday night's city council meeting. "I don't think we've had as many calls over a short period of time as we've had on this issue." 

Officials approved the introduction of an ordinance amendment that brings the city code in line with state law, which allows fireworks on 10 federal holidays, as well as the days before and after each holiday. If the ordinance is approved at the council's next meeting, a current city-wide ban on fireworks will remain in place on all other days of the year. 

The ban does not apply to ground or hand-held sparklers, which are considered "low-impact" fireworks. 

The proposed amendment also adds conditions allowed under state law, prohibiting discharge of fireworks on public property, and making it illegal to shoot off fireworks while intoxicated or to sell fireworks to anyone under age 18. Council member Richard Lerner asked whether the city could add other conditions, but city attorney Steve Joppich said the city can't add restrictions not allowed under state law.

That irked city councilmember Randy Bruce. "This is another example of loss of local control," he said. "They've taken away our ability to regulate what happens in our own community." 

Councilmember Ken Massey, on the other hand, opposed the ordinance because he felt it was reactive. He said normally officials consider proposed ordinances and amendments in a study session to thoroughly discuss the issues and have questions answered. 

"We are reacting," Brock said. "We're not going to get ahead of the state."

Joppich said simply relying on state law would result in fireworks being used in the community all year round. Leaving the current ordinance in place would make it difficult to prosecute anyone who discharges fireworks outside of the days allowed by state law.

Mayor Barry Brickner said he believed that if the council doesn't limit fireworks to the extent the state law allows, "it will be open season, and I don't think our residents want that."

Officials will discuss the proposed ordinance during a study session at 6 p.m. on July 23, in the community room at . Brock pointed out officials could continue to make changes to the proposed ordinance.

Clarification: Information was added to the original version of this article to clarify that the ban on fireworks does not include ground or hand-held sparklers.