Allen Township plans limits on fireworks
Residents’ complaints are behind the move
Increasing complaints over outdoor celebrations highlighted by fireworks have prompted Allen Township officials to take measures.
The Board of Supervisors last week authorized Township Manager Ilene Eckhart to prepare draft language that covers consumer and display fireworks under the nuisance and fires and open burning sections of the township ordinance.
The language defines both consumer fireworks — which don’t include toy caps, novelties or sparklers — and display fireworks set off by professionals.
“The big issue is consumer fireworks,” Eckhart said.
The revisions will be voted on during supervisors’ 7 p.m. meeting June 25.
Fireworks would be prohibited between 10 p.m. and noon, with exceptions for celebrations for national holidays.
On those days, fireworks would be permitted until 11 p.m., and by 1 a.m. New Year’s Day.
Such events must be approved by the township in advance.
Displays exceeding one hour within a 24-hour time frame, unless authorized by supervisors during a public meeting, would be illegal under the nuisance section of the ordinance.
Violations would trigger a written warning, followed by citation and appearance before a district judge and fines of no more than $1,000 or up to 90 days in jail.
“Offending parties will be notified and given an opportunity to comply before fines are imposed,” Eckhart said.
She said complaints from residents have increased somewhat since the state changed the law in 2017, making it easier for consumers to buy and set off larger fireworks, but no more so than in any other township.