For purposes of this article, the term fireworks shall mean those items as defined by the rules and regulations of the Kansas state fire marshal, and shall include but not be limited to: firecrackers, torpedoes, sparklers, Roman candles, sky rockets, pin wheels, cap or toy pistols (except such pistols or any like device designed to discharge paper caps containing not more than .25 of grains of explosive mixture), canes, bombs, cannons or other like devices and all classes of fireworks that may be shot into the air or propelled over the ground by explosive discharges or any device using blank cartridges.

(Code 1990)

(a)   Except as provided in sections 7-303:306; it shall be unlawful for any person to keep, store, display for sale, fire, discharge or explode any fireworks.

(b)   Nothing in this article shall be construed as applying to:

(1)   Toy paper caps containing not more than .25 of a grain of explosive composition per cap;

(2)   The manufacture, storage, sale or authorized use of signals necessary for the safe operation of railroads or other classes of public or private transportation;

(3)   The military or naval forces of the United States or of this state while in the performance of official duty;

(4)   Law enforcement officers while in the performance of official duty; or

(5)   The sale or use of blank cartridges for ceremonial, theatrical or athletic events.

(Ord. 1041, Sec. 1; Code 1990)

(a)   Section 7-302 shall not apply to the fire or discharge of fireworks, with the type of fireworks as provided by the laws of the state, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 midnight on July 3 through July 5, or on other dates as may be set by resolution of the city council.

(b)   The governing body of the city may, in its discretion, grant permission at any time for the public display of fireworks by responsible individuals or organizations when such display or displays shall be of such a character and so located, discharged and fired as shall not be a fire hazard or endanger persons or surrounding property.

(c)   The governing body of the city may, in its discretion, grant permission at any time for the discharge of fireworks by the public on certain dates and times as set be resolution of the city council.

(d)   It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to give any public display of fireworks without having first obtained a permit thereof.

(e)   In the event that the city council of the city shall determine that weather conditions or any other circumstances shall justify the prohibition of discharge within the city limits of firecrackers and fireworks on the dates indicated above, the city council may, by resolution, prohibit the discharge of such fireworks either in the form of permitted pyrotechnical displays or by individuals. In the event the city council of the city so resolves such resolution shall be published in the official city newspaper prior to the 4th day of July in the year that such resolution is to be effective.

(Ord. 1041, Sec. 1; Code 1990, Ord. 1310; Ord. 1346; Ord. 1369; Code 2022)

(a)   It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, display for sale, offer to sell, or give away any type of fireworks within the city without first applying for and securing a permit from the sitting city council and paying a permit fee of $100.

(b)   No permit request shall be considered by the city council unless such request is made on or before June 15 of the year in which the permit is requested.

(c)   No permit shall be considered or issued by the city council until such time as the group requesting the issuance of such permit has provided proof of liability insurance in an amount not less than $750,000, with the city being named as a second insured party.

(d)   The city council will review every application, including the location of each proposed site of sale. The city council will approve or disapprove each application by majority vote.

(e)   Fireworks shall only be sold from June 27th until July 5th.

(f)   The site of sale shall be inspected by the Fire Chief and/or Public Works Supervisor to ensure the site complies with applicable safety standards prior to any sakes of fireworks at the location.

(Ord. 1296; Code 2009; Ord. 1311; Ord. 1370; Code 2022)

(a)   It shall be unlawful for any person to give or provide a fireworks display for the public or for organized groups without first obtaining a permit to do so by making application at least 30 days in advance of the desired display. Approval of the permit shall be by the governing body. No permit shall be approved unless the applicant furnishes a certificate of public liability insurance for the display in a minimum amount of $100,000, written by an insurance carrier licensed to do business in Kansas, conditioned as being non-cancellable except by giving 10 days advance written notice to the city clerk. In the event of cancellation of the insurance prior to the display, the permit shall automatically be revoked and void. The application for the permit shall clearly state:

(1)   The name of the applicant.

(2)   The group for which the display is planned.

(3)   The location of the display.

(4)   The date and time of the display.

(5)   The nature or kind of fireworks to be used.

(6)   The name of the person, firm or corporation that will make the actual discharge of the fireworks.

(7)   Anticipated need for police, fire or other municipal services.

(b)   No permit shall be issued if the location, nature of the fireworks or other relevant factor is such as to create an undue hazard or risk of harm or damage to persons or property or for any place which is within 1,000 feet of any building within the city.

(Ord. 1041, Sec. 1; Code 1990)

(a)   All fireworks offered for sale and discharged within the city shall be of a type that has been tested and approved for sale and use within the state by the state fire marshal.

(b)   Bottle rockets and other similar self-propelled firework or fireworks devices consisting of a tube and attached guiding stock or rod shall not be sold or discharged in the city.

(Code 1990)

It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge, ignite or fire any fireworks upon any public street, alley or avenue or in any park or public place within the city.

(Code 1990)

It shall be unlawful for any person to throw, cast or propel fireworks of any kind in the direction of or into the path of any animal, person or group of persons, or from, in the direction of or into any vehicle of any kind.

(Code 1990)

(a)   It shall be unlawful for fireworks to be stored, sold or displayed for sale in a place of business where paint, oils, varnishes, turpentine or gasoline or other flammable substances are kept, unless such fireworks are in a separate and distinct section or department of the premises.

(b)   Where the fire chief deems there is a fire hazard, he or she is hereby authorized to have such hazard abated.

(Code 1990)

(a)   All retailers are forbidden to expose fireworks where the sun shines through glass on the merchandise displayed, except where such fireworks are in the original package.

(b)   All fireworks displayed for sale must remain in original packages, except where an attendant is on constant duty at all times where such fireworks are on display; provided, that fireworks in open stock may be kept in show cases or counters out of the reach of the public without an attendant being on duty.

(c)   Signs reading “Fireworks for Sale - No Smoking Allowed” shall be displayed in the section of a store or premises set aside for the sale of fireworks.

(Code 1990)

(a)   Two functioning and approved fire extinguishers must be provided and kept in close proximity to the stock of fireworks in all permanent buildings where fireworks are stored, sold or displayed for sale.

(b)   Small stands, temporarily erected to be used as a place for storing and selling fireworks only, shall have one such fire extinguisher, or in lieu of the fire extinguisher, a pressurized water hose with nozzle end within five feet of the fireworks stand.

(Code 1990)

It shall be unlawful to store, keep, sell, display for sale or discharge any fireworks within 50 feet of any gasoline pump, gasoline filling station, gasoline bulk station or any building in which gasoline or volatile liquids are sold in quantities in excess of one gallon, except in stores where cleaners, paints and oils are handled in sealed containers only.

(Code 1990)

The chief of the fire department is authorized to seize and confiscate all fireworks which may be kept, stored or used in violation of any section of this article, and all of the rules of the state fire marshal. He or she shall dispose of all such fireworks as may be directed by the governing body.

(Code 1968, 7-303; Code 1990)