AGENDA DATE: 12/15/2021
TITLE:
Title
An Ordinance to Amend County Code Chapter 6, Fire Protection, Regarding Fireworks, and an Ordinance to Amend the Fire Rescue Fee Schedule
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Schedule public hearings to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend County Code, Chapter 6, Fire Protection, to revise fireworks regulations, and the adoption of an ordinance to amend the Fire Rescue Fee Schedule
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Walker, Kamptner, Farley, Eggleston, Oprandy, Lagomarsino, Maddox
PRESENTER (S): N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: The Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code allows localities to establish regulations for the possession, storage, sale, use, and display of fireworks. Local regulations cannot be less restrictive than state codes. In conjunction with the regulations in the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, Albemarle County Code, Chapter 6, Fire Protection, establishes regulations governing fireworks in Albemarle County. Amending Albemarle County Code requires a public hearing.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Mission - To enhance the well-being and quality of life for all community members through the provision of the highest level of public service consistent with the prudent use of public funds.
DISCUSSION: Albemarle County Fire Rescue staff reviewed the County's current processes employed in the regulation of fireworks and identified customer service improvements in the permit process. Currently, County Code ? 6-304 Fireworks permits - application requires the receipt of a permit application and associated fee 30 days prior to the proposed action or event. Ensuring that there is no compromise to the integrity of the review is critical to maintaining safety standards for the community and staff needs the ability to deny permit applications that lack critical information or entail proposed actions that would have a negative impact on th...
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