Juneau Assembly will take up proposed fireworks ordinance May 24. Public can comment ahead of or during meeting.

The Juneau Assembly will hold a public hearing during its May 24 Regular Meeting at 7 p.m. on a proposed ordinance regulating the use of fireworks in the City and Borough of Juneau. The ordinance would prohibit the use of concussive fireworks in most of Juneau, and regulate when and where other types of fireworks can be used. The public can comment during the meeting or email comments in advance of the meeting to [email protected].

The proposed ordinance categorizes fireworks into three types – Concussive, Holiday, and Allowable. Under the proposed ordinance, Concussive fireworks – like mortars – can only be used outside the Fire Service Area on private property during specific hours around New Year’s and Fourth of July. The Fire Service Area extends from the end of Thane Road to Cohen Drive; out to the North Douglas boat launch and up to the houses on Fish Creek Road; out to the end of Sandy Beach on Douglas; all of Lemon Creek; and all of the Mendenhall Valley. Read the full proposed ordinance here.

The use of Holiday fireworks (like roman candles, Black Cats, and bottle rockets) and Allowable fireworks (like cone fountains, wheels, and illuminating torches) also have stipulations on when and where to use. Violation of these rules would be subject to a $250 fine.

The proposed ordinance does allow a person to use all types of fireworks year-round on private property outside the Roaded Service Area. The Roaded Service Area extends a half mile beyond any existing road. See a map of the Roaded Service Area and the Fire Service Area on page 14 of the proposed ordinance.

The May 24 Regular Assembly Meeting is taking place in City Hall Assembly Chambers as well as online via Zoom. Join online at 7 p.m. here https://juneau.zoom.us/j/91515424903 or call 1-253-215-8782 with webinar ID 915 1542 4903, or watch on Facebook Live. Community members can comment on the proposed fireworks ordinance, as well as other agenda items, during the meeting in person (up to eight people will be allowed in the audience seats), or through Zoom online (hit the ‘raise hand’ button) or over the phone (press *9 on your phone). Again, the public is also encouraged to email their comments in advance of the meeting to [email protected].