Township of Lancaster, PA Chapter 155 Fireworks

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township of Lancaster 6-14-1999 by Ord. No. 1999-4. Amendments noted where applicable.]

GENERAL REFERENCES

Peace and good order — See Ch. 198.

§ 155-1 Displays permitted; conformance with codes.

Fireworks displays shall be permitted in Lancaster Township as provided for in this chapter. All displays shall be planned and conducted in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association Standard 1123, 1995 Edition, plus any and all applicable provisions of the BOCA National Fire Prevention Code which was adopted by reference in Ordinance No. 1995-7 and amended by Ordinance No. 1998-1, the BOCA National Building Code and National Property Maintenance Code.

§ 155-2 Issuance of permits; fees; standards; administration and enforcement.

A. The Planning and Zoning Department/Codes Department is responsible for issuing permits. Applications for permits must be received at least 30 days in advance of the date of the proposed display. After an application has been approved, a permit may be issued only for the approved event. No permit shall be transferable. A nonrefundable application fee of $200 shall be paid to the general fund of the township, whether or not a permit is subsequently approved. An additional $300 escrow fee is required upon application for permit. This escrow amount will be applied against any cleanup or damage costs incurred by the township after the event. Any unused portion will be refunded after cleanup and/or repairs. The entire amount will be refunded provided, after township inspection, the entire area is left as it was found prior to the event.

B. Applicants shall be required to complete the application package in the form provided by the township as follows:

(1) Fire permit application for pyrotechnics;

(2) Hold harmless agreement;

(3) Insurance certificates in the amount of $1,000,000 general liability and $5,000,000 umbrella coverage;

(4) Detailed site/security plan (NFPA 1123) clearly showing property lines, parking areas, spectator viewing areas and structure locations in relation to fireworks discharge area.

C. The sale, possession, use, and/or distribution of fireworks for display purposes shall be conducted so as to be safe to all persons and property. Evidence that the sale, possession, use, and/or distribution of fireworks for display purposes has been conducted in accordance with the applicable standard specified in NFPA 1123 shall be evidence that such sale, possession, use and/or distribution of fireworks for display purposes provide safety to persons and property.

D. Any fireworks that remain unfired after the display is concluded shall be immediately disposed of in a safe way pursuant to industry standards.

E. The township shall seize, take, remove or cause to be removed at the expense of the permit holder any and all fireworks offered or exposed for sale, possession, use, and/or distribution in violation of this section.

F. Fireworks displays shall not be held between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.

G. The Police Department and the Lancaster Township Fire Department shall be advised of all applications and may be consulted for recommendations.

H. Any person or organization that receives a permit under the conditions of this chapter shall be responsible for obtaining and ensuring all traffic safety and traffic control before, during, and after the event including related costs. The township has final authority concerning any and all decisions as to the need for safety precautions and traffic control.