The Grover Beach City Council amended an ordinance to limit the period of time that residents are able to discharge safe and sane fireworks.
Effective June 18, the public will only be allowed to use safe and sane fireworks from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4.
Before the amendment, the public could discharge these types of fireworks from 12 p.m. July 3 through 12 a.m. July 5 and 12 p.m. December 30 through 12 a.m. January 1.
Grover Beach City Manager Matthew Bronson said public compliance with the new amendment could have positive community impacts.
“Compliance with safety protocols and observation of the new public discharge period will mitigate wildfire risk, reduce the impact on noise-sensitive community members and animals, and help to facilitate an enjoyable holiday by our community members,” said Bronson.
The Grover Beach Chief of Police John Peters said the department receives an average of 40 calls regarding the illegal use of fireworks each July.
“This ordinance amendment strikes a balance between allowing the safe enjoyment of fireworks during reasonable hours on the Fourth of July holiday, and minimizing impacts on nearby residents and pets,” said Chief Peters.
Safe and sane fireworks are categorized as neither projectile nor explosive.
No person under the age of 18 may possess or discharge safe and sane fireworks except when under the supervision of a person 21 years of age or older.
Illegal use of fireworks in San Luis Obispo County could result in a misdemeanor violation, up to a year of jail time and a $1000 fine.
Arroyo Grande also restricts firework use to 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4.
