Sunday, December 30, 2012
The start of the new year is among the 10 national holidays on which the state permits fireworks use.
This New Year's Day may be one of the noisiest on record for Michigan, thanks to revisions in state fireworks laws approved in 2012. The start of the new year is included on the list of national holidays for which the use of these colorful explosives is permitted by state law. Under Michigan's controversial fireworks law, citizens can ignite, discharge and use consumer fireworks the day before, day of and day after a national holiday, including New Year's Day. The list of approved fireworks now includes "projectiles," such as bottle rockets and Roman Candles. The penalties for violating the state law range from not more than 30 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine, up to 15 years and/or a fine of $10,000 if the violation results in another …
Thursday, August 30, 2012
While the tents are gone, a Michigan business still has valid permits to sell fireworks in Farmington Hills.
While Labor Day may not be considered a "fireworks holiday" by everyone, it is one of 10 national holidays on which the use of these colorful explosives is permitted by Michigan law. Under the state's controversial new fireworks law, residents can ignite, discharge and use consumer fireworks the day before, day of and day after a national holiday. Many of the fireworks tents that cropped up in local communities during the early part of summer disappeared after July 4. But in Farmington Hills, Phantom Fireworks has permits for two locations, 35000 Grand River Ave. and 32905 Northwestern Hwy., that are good through April of 2013. Although residents across Michigan have asked legislators to repeal the Fireworks Safety Act of 2011, which was…
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
City attorney Thomas Schultz said they might revisit the issue if lawmakers make changes to the state's new fireworks law.
While Farmington city officials aren't sure where Michigan's new fireworks law is headed, they gave final approval Monday to a local ordinance that complies with it. The ordinance, which was introduced on July 16, restricts the use of consumer fireworks – like bottle rockets, roman candles and firecrackers – to days now allowed under Michigan Public Act 256. New this year, the state law bans cities from restricting fireworks on 10 federal holidays, along with the day before and the day after each holiday. Mayor Tom Buck said some of the feedback that came to him had to do with whether three days was enough for the 4th of July holiday, depending on what day of the week the holiday is celebrated. "You might get an opportunity to revisit …
Monday, July 23, 2012
The new rule, prompted by changes in Michigan law, goes into effect in 21 days.
After a lengthy discussion at a 6 p.m. study session, Farmington Hills city council members unanimously approved a new fireworks ordinance Monday. Effective in 21 days, the new rules ban "consumer fireworks" like firecrackers, bottle rockets and roman candles, except for the 30 days allowed by state law. "If we don't enact this, it will open the doors up for them to (shoot fireworks) 365 days a year," Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Bates said, "so we feel compelled to do it." At the council's July 9 meeting, city manager Steve Brock said the city fielded a large number of fireworks complaints in June and early July. Council member Ken Massey said at that meeting he felt officials should take time to explore and discuss the proposed ordinance at a …
42.484682
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City of Farmington Hills Municipal Offices
31555 W 11 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills, MI
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Wednesday, July 18, 2012
An amendment to the city code would restrict using consumer fireworks to days now allowed under state law.
The City of Farmington Code of Ordinances doesn't specifically mention fireworks, but that could change if a proposed addition is approved in August. At Monday's city council meeting, officials introduced an ordinance that would restrict the use of consumer fireworks – like bottle rockets, roman candles and firecrackers – to days now allowed under state law. Michigan Public Act 256 prohibits cities from restricting fireworks on 10 federal holidays, along with the day before and the day after each holiday. Included are New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. "Some of them don't reflect what you would typically …
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
A proposed Farmington Hills ordinance amendment responds to changes in state law.
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…
42.484682
-83.359687
City of Farmington Hills Municipal Offices
31555 W 11 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills, MI
/articles/new-rules-would-ban-fireworks-in-farmington-hills-except-on-state-designated-holidays
1527486
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Wednesday, July 4, 2012
A Patch photographer gives advice on capturing the sparkle in the sky.
Capturing fireworks on camera is a challenge that can be mastered easily with the right equipment and settings on your camera. Here is a short tutorial to help you capture the rockets' red glare this Fourth of July. Equipment needed: (Click through the photo gallery for samples and instructions.)
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Here's a list of things to remember about the mid-week holiday.
Tomorrow's federal holiday means changes to trash pickup, government building closures and more in Farmington and Farmington Hills. Here are some important things to keep in mind: While there are no local displays of fireworks, you don't have to travel far to find one. We've published a list of area events here. If you want to set off fireworks in your own backyard, a new state law allows you to shoot off airborne fireworks, like roman candles and bottle rockets. You can buy fireworks locally; temporary permits have been issued for businesses at 32905 Northwestern Hwy., 35000 Grand River and 39045 Polo Club #202. Fourth of July travelers are getting a break this year with gas prices taking a dip before the holiday. According to AAA, the …
Our communities don't offer 4th of July displays, but you don't have to travel far to find one.
Although there will be no Fourth of July fireworks displays in Farmington and Farmington Hills, there are plenty of places to catch them in Southeast Michigan. Here are a few going on in Wayne and Oakland counties this week: On July 3, watch the sky light up with fireworks in Plymouth Township. The display will be held at Township Park at 46640 Ann Arbor Trail. The show starts at 10:15 p.m. A fireworks display will be held as part of the Westland Summer Festival on July 4. The event kicks off at dusk from the Westland City Hall grounds, located at 36601 Ford Rd. A display will be held at 10:05 p.m. at the Rackham Golf Course in Huntington Woods. The golf course is located at 10100 West Ten Mile Rd. On July 3, catch fireworks at the Lincoln…
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
A new state law allows businesses to sell firecrackers and airborne fireworks, and there's not much local officials can do to control them.
Farmington Hills Fire Chief Corey Bartsch has a message for anyone planning to take advantage of Michigan's new law allowing airborne fireworks: "I'm just asking the public use due caution," Bartsch said during Monday's city council meeting. "Don't let the kids touch the fireworks." It became legal this year to sell firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles and other flying devices to consumers. Legislators passed the change, which Gov. Rick Snyder signed last Dec. 13, to generate sales tax revenue and registration fees. Sellers pay $1,000 annually for a permanent site or $600 for a tent or other seasonal, outdoor location. Bartsch said local ordinances cannot supercede state law, and local authorities have no control over permitted …
42.511638
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29206 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington Hills, MI
Fireworks sales
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42.52768
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32905 Northwestern Hwy, Farmington Hills, MI
Fireworks sales
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/locations/7321664
42.468924
-83.392557
35000 Grand River Ave, Farmington Hills, MI
Fireworks sales
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10:46 am on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
The law needs to take a 180 degree turn. They should only be allowed on public property ( schools, police stations, fire stations, city buildings etc) and homes of public officials and ex Governors. Then all the noise, stench and debris will be located precisely where those whom were enamored with the enhanced revenue are, not with the property tax payer. All those enamored with lights, noise and… more ›