Starting July 1, 2022, Ohioans can legally discharge 1.4G consumer fireworks on specific days, unless local regulations state otherwise. However, the City of Chillicothe is reminding its citizens that the City Council has passed an ordinance banning the possession, sale, or discharge of fireworks within city limits. Which was allowed in the language of the state law that municipalities to set their own restrictions on private fireworks shows, or ban them entirely.
The ordinance, detailed as follows, strictly prohibits such activities:
CITY OF CHILLICOTHE FIREWORKS LAW
ORD 1519.04 POSSESSION, SALE OR DISCHARGE PROHIBITED
(a) No person shall possess fireworks in this Municipality or possess for sale or sell fireworks in this Municipality, except a licensed manufacturer of fireworks as authorized by Ohio R.C.
(b) Except as provided in Section 1519.05 and except for licensed exhibitors of fireworks authorized to conduct a fireworks exhibition pursuant to Ohio R.C. 3743.50 to 3743.55 and Section 1519.02, no person shall discharge, ignite or explode any fireworks in this Municipality.
“Fireworks” means any composition or device prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or an audible effect by combustion, deflagration, or detonation, except ordinary matches and as provided in section 3/43.80 of the Ohio Revised Code.
Violations of any provision of this chapter will result in a misdemeanor of the first degree for a first offense, with penalties including a fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000) and/or imprisonment for up to six months.
The Chillicothe Police Department posted the ordinance on their Facebook page, where most comments express opposition to the policy.
As the Fourth of July approaches, the City of Chillicothe urges residents to adhere to the ordinance and celebrate safely without the use of fireworks.
