In its meeting last week, the Atascadero city council discussed a proposed ordinance designed to reduce illegal fireworks usage.
The city announced in a release yesterday they have adopted the ordinance, effective immediately. Illegal fireworks have been a persistent concern in Atascadero, according to the city, particularly during Independence Day and New Year’s Eve.
The ordinance holds social hosts liable for illegal fireworks usage. Social hosts are individuals who own, control, or host gatherings on a property. They are now strictly liable for any illegal fireworks discharged on or adjacent to that property, with a $1,000 administrative fine for each violation, up to a maximum of $10,000 per day.
The city says the purpose of the ordinance is to reduce illegal fireworks by holding an event host responsible, allowing “a more practical and enforceable way to hold people accountable and keep our neighborhoods safe.”
All fireworks, including “safe and sane” fireworks are prohibited within Atascadero city limits.
