The Billings Montana City Code (BMCC) Section 14-400 regulates public fireworks displays. The existing code language is outdated by more than 20 years and does not meet current National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and conflicts with the adopted fire code. Updating the city code language will ensure an acceptable level of public safety at future public fireworks displays. The City Council is expected to conduct a public hearing at this meeting and consider the ordinance on first reading.

The City Council may approve the ordinance and ensure consistency with the fire code and NFPA standards or not approve the ordinance and keep the ordinance language as it is currently written. This would continue the practice of city code not meeting national standards as well as conflicting with the fire code.  Adoption of the proposed ordinances will ensure consistency with the fire code and NFPA standards.

There is no significant financial impact of updating BMCC 14-400.

Staff recommends the Billings City Council approve the changes to Billings Montana City Code 14-400 regulating public fireworks displays. In accordance with MCA 7-1-105, if these revisions to BMCC 14-400 are approved by City Council, they will be effective 30 days after second reading and final adoption.