Another SLO County city to start fining hosts for illegal fireworks. What to know
New fireworks rules are rolling out in northern San Luis Obispo County heading into one of the most firework-heavy times of the year.
On Dec. 9, the Atascadero City Council unanimously voted to adopt a new fireworks social host ordinance, aiming to reduce illegal fireworks launches. The ordinance took effect immediately.
This comes after Grover Beach passed a similar ordinance this summer.
According to a news release from Atascadero, the new ordinance looks to reduce launches by holding social hosts — individuals who own, control or host gatherings on a property — liable for any fireworks discharged on or near their property.
“Illegal fireworks have been a persistent concern in Atascadero, particularly during Independence Day and New Year’s Eve,” the release read. “These activities pose significant fire danger, disturb residents and animals, strain emergency response systems and create preventable risks to life and property.”
Social hosts found associated with fireworks launches can receive administrative fines of $1,000, up to a maximum of $10,000 per day, according to the release.
Those violations may be prosecuted as misdemeanors as appropriate, according to the release.
The city can also choose to recover costs associated with emergency responses to illegal launches, including personnel time, equipment damage, and medical expenses for injured responders, according to the release.
The city will create an outreach campaign to let residents know about the new ordinance and its conditions via website updates, social media posts, news releases and community presentations, according to the release.
“Illegal fireworks put our entire community at risk,” Atascadero police Chief Dan Suttles said in the release. “This ordinance gives us a more practical and enforceable way to hold people accountable and to keep our neighborhoods safe.”
“Our goal is to prevent fires, prevent injuries, and give residents some peace during the holidays,” he continued.
Residents can report illegal fireworks launches by calling the Atascadero Police Department’s non-emergency line at 805-461-5051.
