An ordinance to allow firework sales and use in city limits was approved Monday by the Houston City Council.
A sale window will exist from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 20 to July 10 for commercial or industrial-zoned property.
After hearing from concerned residents on the use of fireworks in city limits, the council amended the ordinance to only allow discharge of fireworks from noon to 10 p.m. on July 4, rather than the previously stated 10 a.m. to midnight period. The vote passed 4-1, with Ward I Alderman Fred Stottlemyre voting no.
“I’m 100% for the sale of fireworks in city limits,” said Stottlemyre. “I can’t support this because I’m not for setting them off in city limits.”
Among other safety precautions, the ordinance prohibits the sale or discharge of bottle or stick rockets and roman candles within city limits. The fire chief has jurisdiction to suspend the discharge of fireworks.
