CHICKASHA – An ordinance the City Council adopted Aug. 4 allows firecrackers, Roman candles, sparklers, fountains and the like to be sold in the city limits starting next year.
However, the “use, discharge, ignition or explosion of any consumer or display fireworks” within the town boundaries will remain “strictly prohibited” except for any “permitted public display.”
Sales of fireworks will be allowed only from June 27 through July 4 each year, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily and from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Independence Day.
Nonprofit civic, charitable, fraternal, educational or religious organizations “located and domiciled” in Chickasha can apply to the city clerk for a permit to sell consumer fireworks. Youth sports teams will not qualify as eligible organizations unless the team is organized and operated “under the authority of Chickasha Public Schools.”
Applications for a fireworks sales permit must be submitted to the city clerk no later than June 1 each year and must include:
• A site plan showing the location of the stand where the fireworks will be sold, parking areas, traffic circulation and fireworks storage.
• Proof of general liability insurance “in an amount not less than $250,000 per occurrence.”
• A performance bond or refundable cash deposit of not less than $2,500 “to ensure proper cleanup and compliance.”
• Copies of all applicable state licenses and certifications required for the sale of consumer fireworks.
• A statement of compliance with all municipal requirements and applicable state laws.
• Proof of a valid sales tax permit issued by the Oklahoma Tax Commission “showing the applicant is authorized to collect and remit sales tax” collected on their fireworks sales in Chickasha.
No fireworks sales permit will be issued “without review and approval by the fire chief” or a designee.
All fireworks stands must be staffed and operated “solely by members of the organization” that received the permit. An adult (18 or older) representative of the organization must be present at the stand “at all times during sales and during any inspection.”
No one under the age of 12 will be allowed to sell or offer for sale any fireworks, and individuals younger than 18 can sell fireworks “only when directly supervised by an adult member” of the permit holder.
All fireworks stands must be located at least 65 feet from any public street curb or roadway edge, and have a “No Smoking” sign posted prominently. Also, the fireworks must be stored and displayed “in a manner that prevents direct public handling.”
Stands and temporary structures used for the sale of fireworks must be dismantled and removed within 15 days after July 4. The organization that was issued the sales permit will be responsible for “returning the site to its prior condition and removing all debris or refuse” generated during the sales operation.
The City Council approved the ordinance by a vote of 7-0-1. Councilmembers Lisa Hatchett, Kim Irving, Clark Southard, John Smith, Erica Alexander, Georgianne Hebblethwaite and Mayor Zach Grayson voted “aye.” Councilman Charlie Burruss abstained and Councilwoman Kea Ginn was absent.