HomeMy WebLinkAbout05(N) - Ordinance Amending City Code Related to on Premise Fireworks Sales ReportCITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE:
PREPARED BY:
PRESENTED BY:
May 13, 2025
Heidi Simon, City Clerk
Jason Wedel, City Manager
Casey McCabe, Community Development Director
ITEM: 5N
AGENDA ITEM: Ordinance Amending City Code Related to on Premise Fireworks Sales
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt an ordinance amending Prior Lake City Code Chapters 4, Businesses, related to on
premise firework sales.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Prior Lake periodically receives requests from individuals and businesses to operate
temporary consumer fireworks sales stands, typically in tents or booths, during the summer
season. City Code does not currently regulate these operations. The lack of local oversight poses
risks to public safety due to the volume and storage of combustible materials.
The proposed ordinance amendment addresses this gap by establishing licensing procedures,
safety standards, inspection protocols, and restrictions aligned with state law (Minn. Stat. §§
624.20-624.25) and best practices under the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1124
standards.
The ordinance is designed to ensure that all sales and storage of fireworks are conducted in a
manner that protects the safety of customers, employees, and the general public, while also
providing clear criteria for permit approval, denial, suspension, or revocation.
Current Circumstances
Currently, the City of Prior Lake does not regulate temporary fireworks stands through local
ordinance. This lack of oversight has led to confusion for both vendors and staff, particularly
around what is allowed and how these operations should be conducted. In recent years, the city
has received an increasing number of inquiries and permit requests for temporary fireworks sales,
typically in tents or outdoor booths, especially during the summer season.
Without a local permitting and inspection process, there is no formal mechanism to ensure that
these sales comply with safety standards. This poses potential risks to public health and safety,
including fire hazards, improper storage, and the sale of fireworks in unsafe or unsuitable
locations. The proposed ordinance aims to address these concerns by establishing clear
expectations, improving public safety, and aligning with state law.
•Permit Requirements: Retail sales of consumer fireworks require a city-issued permit.
Applicants must obtain site approval from the Fire Marshal or designee.
•Application Timeline: Applications must be submitted at least 15 days before operations
begin.
•Safety Protocols: Permittees must comply with fire code requirements, including signage,
extinguisher placement, setback distances from combustible materials and residential
zones, and inventory limits based on sprinkler system presence.
City of Prior Lake I 4646 Dakota Street SE I Prior Lake MN 55372