Macomb Invites Public Comment on Zoning Changes Related to Fireworks Sales

Macomb Township residents are invited to a public hearing Tuesday to give input on changes the township is now permitted under state law.

Because the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act, which went into effect on Jan. 1 of this year, forbids local governments from restricting fireworks sales in any way, Macomb officials are hoping they will be able to use zoning ordinances to retain some oversight on the location of sales.

“The law does not control where they are located, it just says you cannot restrict sales, storage, etc.,” said township Clerk Michael Koehs, in a previous interview with Patch. “We can amend the zoning ordinance to allow (fireworks sales) into commercial zones so people don’t start selling them out of their garages.”

While local ordinances cannot supersede state law, Supervisor Mark Grabow said the township does have some power in terms of public safety. For instance, should a fireworks merchant wish to set up shop in an industrial building, they must meet certain safety requirements, such as having a functioning sprinkler system.

The township Planning Commission is scheduled to meet Tuesday at 7 p.m. in to propose several amendments to zoning ordinances that would relate to fireworks sales.

A public hearing will be held at the start of the meeting to allow township residents an opportunity to give input on the issue.

Any recommendations made by the Planning Commission Tuesday must be brought before the township board of trustees and approved during a regularly scheduled meeting before the proposed action can take effect.

Under the new state law, a fireworks merchant need only have the proper certificate and meet the requirements set forth by the National Fire Protection Agency to set up shop in a city or township. Approval from the local municipality is not required.

With its power to regulate fireworks sales almost completely nullified by state law, Macomb Township’s last avenue is its zoning.