TO: LINDA REICH, CITY MANAGER
FROM: SILVIA AVALOS, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SERVICES, PARKS & RECREATION
SUBJECT
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Ordinance No. 2026-001 - Chapter 8.12 Fireworks.
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RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Approve the Introduction of Ordinance No. 2026-001, to be read by number and title only, waiving further reading of the Ordinance, amending Chapter 8.12 of the Chino Municipal Code (CMC) pertaining to fireworks.
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FISCAL IMPACT
No fiscal impact.
CITY OF CHINO MISSION / VISION / VALUES / STRATEGIC ISSUES
The recommendation detailed above further the City’s values and strategic issues that serve as key pillars on which identified priorities, goals, and action plans are built, by fostering:
• Positive City Image
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BACKGROUND
The Community Services, Parks & Recreation (CSPR) Commission is charged with oversight of Title 8.12 of the Chino Municipal Code relating to the sale and discharge of safe and sane fireworks in the City of Chino. At the end of each fireworks season, the Fireworks Review Sub-Committee meets with CSPR and Finance staff to review the fireworks season and evaluate the Fireworks section of the Municipal Code. The meeting was held on September 11, 2025.
The Finance Department issued retail permits to 24 nonprofit organizations authorizing the sale of safe and sane fireworks from July 1 through July 4. No violations were reported during the permitted sales period, however, one booth operator was assessed a penalty for late submission of the required financial statement and surcharge payment. Fireworks wholesalers complied with the City’s requirement to maintain a central drop-off location within the City from 9:00 p.m. on July 4, through 12:00 p.m. on July 5. This requirement was implemented without incident.
ISSUES/ANALYSIS
On November 18, 2025, the Community Services, Parks & Recreation Commission Fireworks Review Sub-Committee consisting of Vice Chairperson Jerry, Commissioners Aviles and Takeuchi, along with staff members from the Community Services, Parks & Recreation and Finance Departments reconvened to continue discussion from the September meeting, where the Commission and City staff identified the need to amend certain provisions of the City’s Fireworks Ordinance (Chapter 8.12 of the Municipal Code) to clarify and strengthen its terms.
The Community Services, Parks & Recreation Commission is recommending the following Municipal Code additions and clarifications related to the sale of fireworks:
8.12.030 - Sales of Fireworks Retail Required.
• Reduce the maximum number of fireworks stand permits from 25 to 24.
• Continue reducing this number through attrition (surrendered, revoked, or non-renewed permits) until the total reaches 20 permits.
• Establish 20 permits as the permanent maximum number once that level is reached.
8.12.060 - Retail Permit-Prerequisites to Issuance.
• The proposed amendment strengthens the eligibility requirements for fireworks retail permit applicants by specifying that revenue received will support programs and services that provide direct and measurable benefits to Chino residents.
8.12.065 - Fireworks Wholesaler Business License Requirement.
• Add requirements for a fireworks wholesaler business license.
8.12.080 - Temporary Fireworks Stands.
• Reinforce existing Municipal Code Title 15.04.180, which requires a building permit for any temporary tent or structure over 120 square feet, including fireworks stands.
• Update parking requirements to include an accessible route and designation of one accessible parking space within the required eight (8) parking spaces.
8.12.165 - Surcharge.
• Revise the surcharge from up-to-ten percent (10%) to a fixed rate of four and one-quarter percent (4.25%) as determined by historical cost analysis. No additional charges shall be assessed if the actual City costs exceed this fixed rate, nor shall any refunds be issued if the actual costs are less than the fixed rate.
• Specify that the surcharge is a regulatory fee, not a tax, since it reasonably reflects the City’s costs of providing the City services described below.
• Prohibit the surcharge from being represented, advertised, or listed as a tax on any signage, receipts, or documentation, and prohibit charging the surcharge to fireworks purchasers as a tax.
The Community Services, Parks & Recreation Fireworks Sub-Committee reviewed the proposed elimination of the fireworks surcharge and does not recommend its removal. The Sub-Committee determined that fireworks booth operators should continue to reimburse the City for costs related to fireworks sales, including public education and awareness efforts, enforcement activities such as additional personnel time, and post-event cleanup of trash and debris. Based on a historical cost analysis, the Sub-Committee determined that a fixed reimbursement rate of four and one-quarter percent (4.25%) is reasonable.
The CMC changes were presented to the Community Services, Parks & Recreation Commission at their regular meeting on Monday, December 22, 2025. The Commission approved the recommended changes with a vote of 6 in favor, with one Commissioner absent.
Upon approval of the introduction of Ordinance 2026-001, a second reading will be presented at the February 3, 2026, City Council meeting, and the ordinance will go into full force and effect 30 days thereafter.
Attachment: Ordinance No. 2026-001