Colton Municipal Code Ch. 6.50 Release of Balloons and Sky Lanterns into the Atmosphere

It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to regulate the release of balloons and sky lanterns (including latex balloons) within the City of Colton. The regulations and prohibitions in this chapter are enacted to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the city and the surrounding environment and wildlife.

(Ord. No. O-14-19, 11-19-2019)

For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply.

"Balloon" means a flexible nonporous bag made from materials such as those including, but not limited to, rubber, latex, polychloroprene or nylon fabric that can be inflated or filled with fluid or gas, such as those including, but not limited to, helium, hydrogen, nitrous oxide, oxygen, air or water and then sealed at the neck, usually used as a toy or decoration.

"Sky Lantern" means a device that requires a flame, which produces heated air trapped in a balloon-type covering allowing the device to float in the air. Sky lanterns shall not include hot-air balloons used for transporting persons.

"Person" means an individual, trust, firm, joint stock company, corporation, cooperative, partnership, or association.

(Ord. No. O-14-19, 11-19-2019)

A. No person shall release any balloon or balloons inflated with a gas that is lighter than air or any sky lantern within the jurisdictional limits of the City.

B. This subsection does not prohibit the following activities:

1. Release of balloons indoors;

2. Release of sky lanterns indoors; or

3. Release of balloons by a governmental agency for scientific or meteorological purposes.

(Ord. No. O-14-19, 11-19-2019)

A. Any Colton City Peace Officer shall have authority to enforce this chapter.

B. In addition to any other remedy available at law, any Person in violation of section 6.50.030 shall be subject to an administrative fine of two hundred and fifty dollars for the first violation and five hundred dollars for the second violation in a twenty-four month period subsequent to the first violation.

C. The provisions and procedures concerning administrative fines and penalties set forth in Chapter 8.12 of the Colton Municipal Code shall apply to administrative fines issued for violations of this chapter. To the extent there are any conflicts between the provisions of the two chapters, the provisions of this chapter shall supersede and control administrative fines issued for violations of this chapter.

(Ord. No. O-14-19, 11-19-2019)

It is declared that it is the intention of the City Council that the sections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses and phrases of this chapter are severable and, if any thereof are held to be invalid, that shall not affect the remainder.

(Ord. No. O-14-19, 11-19-2019)