PREPARED BY: SARAH MAROOF DATE OF MEETING: 10/06/2025
SUBJECT:
TITLE
CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO AMENDING TITLE 8, CHAPTER 8.42, OF THE SAN PABLO MUNICIPAL CODE TO REVISE EXISTING REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO THE POSSESSION, SALE, AND USE OF FIREWORKS WITHIN THE CITY OF SAN PABLO.
CEQA: The proposed amendment is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.
Label
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Waive first reading; introduce Ordinance
Body
Compliance statements
FY 2025-2027 Council Priority Workplan Compliance Statement
Updating the Fireworks Ordinance to revise existing regulations pertaining to the possession, sale and use of fireworks within the City promotes the City Council Major Policy Goal of Improve Public Safety.
CEQA Compliance Statement
The proposed amendment is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no potential for causing a significant effect on the environment as the Project solely involves text changes to the municipal code and does not authorize any construction activities.
BACKGROUND
Threat to Public Safety and Public Health
Fireworks in all forms are a threat to public safety and public health due to both risk of fires and risk of injuries.
The risk of fire is a crucial concern in relatively densely populated suburban cities such as San Pablo, in which over 31,000 people reside within a 2.6 square mile area, particularly since the City does not have a dedicated Fire Department but relies on a negotiated contract for emergency services with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District for its fire protection.
Fireworks cause injuries and deaths. According to the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission’s (CPSC) most recent report on the dangers of fireworks, the 2023 Fireworks Annual Report (<https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/2023-Fireworks-Annual-Report.pdf>), a significant increase in both deaths and injuries was seen when compared to the previous year, and data from 2024 noted a 52% increase in injuries in 2024. The CPSC reported 11 deaths and an estimated 14,700 injuries in 2024, with burns being the most common injury type. While adults aged 25-44 made up the largest portion of injured individuals, the 15-24 age group was next most affected.
Furthermore, the American Fireworks Standards Laboratory (AFSL) 2024 Fireworks Annual Report <https://www.afsl.org/sites/default/files/AFSL%20Fireworks%20Annual%20Report_2024.pdf> highlights an increase in illegal fireworks being sold to consumers, such as professional-grade devices and those with excess explosive material, putting consumers at greater risk.
Enforcement Options
The San Pablo Police Department and Code Enforcement have determined that current penalties for the use of fireworks do not provide a sufficient level of deterrence. As a result, proposed amendments to the Fireworks Ordinance are modeled after various cities in Sacramento County to:
1) Expand Current Prohibitions on Fireworks
• Continues existing prohibition on the possession, sale, use, and discharge of fireworks
• Extends liability to “Hosts” - Owners/tenants also to be held responsible for violations occurring on their own properties
2) Increase Penalties for Violations
• First Offense: $1,000 administrative citation (per discharge)
• Second Offense: $2,500 administrative citation (per discharge) and potential additional liability for reimbursement of public safety personnel response costs
Implementation
The Police Department will ramp up its educational efforts about the dangers of fireworks through the sign trailers already placed throughout the City, particularly as the New Year’s Eve 2025 holiday approaches. In addition, given the high percentage of youth injured by fireworks, the Department will look to engage and educate youth about the dangers of fireworks through its JEWL program and the San Pablo Youth Commission. Additionally, fireworks education will be added to curriculum for other community programs, such as Community Police Academy.
The Police Department will begin active fireworks enforcement options by December 2025, including for the New Year’s Eve celebrations on December 31, 2025.
On October 1, 2025, the Public Safety Standing Committee (Pabon-Alvarado; Xavier) received a general overview of the proposed fireworks ordinance as an information item only.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Police Department intends to absorb enforcement costs within its operating budget.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the City Council review the proposed amendments, take public testimony, and introduce the attached ordinance amending the Fireworks Ordinance (Title 8) Chapter 8.42, revising existing regulations pertaining to the prohibition of fireworks within the City of San Pablo.
ATTACHMENTS
Att A - Proposed City Council Ordinance 2025-###