The City Council unanimously passed new regulations today limiting the use of consumer fireworks. The new legislation makes it illegal to set off fireworks after 9 p.m. except on federal holidays and when such use is in full compliance with the Fire Code. The legislation was introduced by Councilmember David Oh.
Oh drafted the legislation after hearing from distressed residents across the city.
“This is an issue that has impacted every single neighborhood in Philadelphia,” he said.
While consumer fireworks were legalized in 2017 in Pennsylvania, there are restrictions for their use. Users must be 18 years or older, have written consent from the owner if used on private property, and be at least 150 feet away from occupied structures, trees, or power lines. In many cases, these conditions are not being met and therefore constitute illegal use. The new bill would establish additional civil fines for such use after 9 p.m., ranging from $100-$300 for a first offense, $200-$400 for a second offense, $300-$500 for a third offense, and up to $700 for any subsequent offenses.
The bill still has to go to Mayor Jim Kenney’s Office for approval.
October 22nd, 2020 at 5:06 pm
After Jamie Gauthier called on the mayor to call a citywide emergency over gun violence, I think this is a good collaborative effort. The “gunshots or fireworks” is a meme for a guessing game nobody likes in reality, and being able to track safety in areas is important.
October 22nd, 2020 at 8:09 pm
Oh joy, another well meaning law that will rarely be enforced.
July 4th, 2021 at 5:17 pm
I don’t think this rule is being followed where I live. Fireworks were going of as late as 11:00 P.M. in my neighborhood at 19th, or 20th & Rockland, and that was last night. Problem every night. I don’t know who to call. It’s just like bombs being dropped sometimes. Just awful. Don’t know where police are when all this is going on.