Bell Municipal Code Ch. 8.20 Fireworks

The following words and phrases as used in this chapter shall be defined as follows:

"Dangerous fireworks"

shall be defined as set forth in Section 12505 of the California Health and Safety Code, including any amendments or successor statutes thereto.

"Enforcement officer"

has the same meaning under Bell Municipal Code Section 1.20.010.

"Exempt fireworks"

shall be defined as set forth in Section 12508 of the California Health and Safety Code, including any amendments or successor statutes thereto.

"Fireworks"

shall be defined as set forth in Section 12511 of the California Health and Safety Code, including any amendments or successor statutes thereto.

"Responsible person"

has the same meaning under Bell Municipal Code Section 1.20.010.

"Safe and sane fireworks"

shall be defined as set forth in Section 12529 of the California Health and Safety Code, including any amendments or successor statutes thereto.

(Ord. 1289, 4/24/2024)

A. No person or responsible person shall possess, sell, use, or display, within the city any kind of fireworks, including, but not limited to, any safe and sane fireworks, dangerous fireworks, illegal fireworks, rocket, firecracker, roman candle, squib, torpedo, torpedo cane, fire balloon, wire core sparkler, wooden core sparkler, black cartridge or other combustible device or explosive substance.

B. No person or responsible person shall discharge, ignite, explode, project, or otherwise fire or use any kind of firework.

C. Exception: This chapter shall not apply to the use of fireworks during city-sponsored events conducted by a pyrotechnic professional and supervised by the Bell Police Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, and/or a California State licensed pyrotechnic operator as set forth in California Fire Code Chapter 56: Explosives and Fireworks.

(Ord. 1289, 4/24/2024)

A. Any person or responsible person who violates any of the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

B. An administrative citation may be issued by an enforcement officer to any person or responsible person who violates any of the provisions of this section pursuant to chapter 1.20 of the Bell City Municipal Code.

1. Any person or responsible person that sells, uses, or discharges 25 pounds or less of dangerous fireworks shall be subject to an administrative fine in an amount not to exceed $1,000.00 for each violation.

2. Administrative fines collected pursuant to this section shall not be subject to Health and Safety Code Section 12706. However, the city shall provide cost reimbursement to the state fire marshal pursuant to regulations to be adopted by the state fire marshal addressing the state fire marshal's cost for the transportation and disposal of dangerous fireworks seized by the city, which costs will be part of any administrative fine imposed. Unless and until said regulations have been adopted by the state of California, the city shall hold in trust $250.00 or 25 percent of any fine collected, whichever is greater, to cover the cost reimbursement to the state fire marshal for said cost of transportation and disposal of the dangerous fireworks.

C. Nothing in this section shall be intended to limit any of the penalties provided for under the California Health and Safety Code or Penal Code with regard to the sale, use, possession, delivery, storage, and/or transportation of dangerous fireworks. The penalties set forth herein are intended to be nonexclusive and in addition to any other remedies at law or equity.

(Ord. 1289, 4/24/2024)