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New Fireworks Ordinance
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| On March 27, 2023, the Borough of Chambersburg adopted a new local law, which ends the practice of igniting most types of fireworks anywhere inside the Borough of Chambersburg.
Pennsylvania Act 74 of 2022, effective September 9, 2022, once again changes the Fireworks Law throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. One of those changes permitted local municipalities to adopt a law stricter than State Regulations. Chambersburg’s Council took this opportunity and adopted stricter rules inside the Borough limits to protect the health, safety, and property inside the Borough.
Which fireworks are PA residents now allowed to purchase and use? Stores inside the Borough are still permitted to sell to consumers “Class C” or “consumer-grade” fireworks such as firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets, and similar fireworks that contain a maximum of 50 milligrams of explosive material. Sale and purchase are not impacted by the new local law. Use is now prohibited in the Borough. Who can purchase? Anyone over the age of 18 years can purchase, possess or use consumer fireworks outside of the Borough of Chambersburg depending on local laws. Consumer fireworks do not include “ground and hand-held sparkling devices”, “novelties” and “toy caps.” Novelties can still be used inside the Borough limits. “Display fireworks,” which are classified as including salutes that contain more than two grains or 130 milligrams of explosive materials, and professional-grade aerial shells containing more than 60 grams of pyrotechnic compositions, are still only to be used by professionals with a permit, which the display organizers can obtain at City Hall from the Land Use and Community Development Department. Town Council has determined that consumer fireworks cannot be used within the Borough by anyone in a manner that they can reasonably be in compliance with the State requirements for consumer fireworks. Therefore, the discharge and use of consumer fireworks within the Borough of Chambersburg is now prohibited. This law will be enforced by the Police Department of the Borough of Chambersburg by calling the Franklin County non-emergency dispatcher at 717-264-4131. Any person using consumer or display fireworks in violation of this law shall be guilty of a summary offense, and upon conviction thereof, shall be sentenced to pay a $500 fine in addition to any other penalty authorized by law. Any person who commits a subsequent offense within three years of a prior conviction shall commit a summary offense,and upon conviction, shall be sentenced to pay a $1,000 fine in addition to any other penalty authorized by law. |