Lowering the Boom? St. Clair Shores to Consider Amended Fireworks Ordinance

St. Clair Shores City Council may consider an amended fireworks ordinance at their next meeting to address an increase in complaints of people setting off fireworks late at night in recent weeks. 

The increased use of fireworks has been attributed to a retailers to sell bottle rockets, Roman candles and other flying devices to consumers.

While the new law brings in new revenue, it also bars municipalities from regulating fireworks use on federal holidays – such as July 4 – or the day right before and after.

But following a flurry of complaints, St. Clair Shores City Council directed City Attorney Robert Ihrie on Monday to review the current fireworks ordinance.

"Even though it appears the language of the state legislature eliminates the city's ability to regulate the setting off of fireworks even at 1 o'clock,  2 o'clock, 3 o'clock in the morning," Ihrie said. "There are arguments that could be made that we still could take steps to regulate that type of behavior."

City officials stated that the police department has received increased number of calls for fireworks in recent days, and while the city attorney is drafting a revision to the ordinance, he recommended residents continue to call police to file their complaints.

"We need to do something," St. Clair Shores Mayor Kip Walby said before directing Ihrie to amend the ordinance. City council may consider the ordinance at its July 2 meeting.

City Manager Ben Hughes also asked resident to be considerate of their neighbors as the Fourth of July holiday nears.

"Let's enjoy the holiday," Hughes said. "But let's do it in a way that understands we are a built up city with homes next to each other and there are some quality of life issues that affect others."