§ 24-4. Regulating the display of pyrotechnics.

(a)

The county fire marshal is hereby granted the authority, given to the board of county commissioners by G.S. § 14-413, to issue permits for the display of pyrotechnics, explosives, and fireworks within the county. Such permit shall be secured by the owner of the property on which the display is to occur. The fire marshal shall inform the county manager and Sheriff upon any application for such permit with an informative memo, copy of the application, and a copy of the fire safety plan for any event.

(b)

No person shall engage in the public display of pyrotechnics, explosives, or fireworks as described in G.S. § 14-413, without first completing an application and obtaining a permit, required by subsection 24-4(a) from the fire marshal 30 days in advance of such display. The names and addresses of all operators must appear on the application and they must be approved by the fire marshal before any display of pyrotechnics or of any explosive or firework. The fee for a permit authorized by this Section shall be established by the Board of County Commissioners in the annual Commissioner Approved Fee Schedule.

(c)

The fire marshal shall issue the permit after all applicable requirements of Chapter 33 of the North Carolina State Fire Prevention Code have been met, the appropriate fees paid, and the applicant has posted a bond or certificate of insurance. The bond or certificate of insurance shall be in the amount of at least $500,000.00 to cover damages to real or personal property and an additional $500,000.00 to cover damages for personal injuries.

(d)

At least ten days prior to any pyrotechnic, explosive, and/or fireworks event or display any applicant for a permit required by this Section shall notify the owners of all properties within a 1,000-foot radius of the property on which the pyrotechnic, explosive, and/or fireworks event or display is to be conducted. Such notice shall be in writing and shall be accomplished by United States Mail, return receipt requested, and by a posting on the property on which the event or display is to occur. The notice shall identify the date and address of the property on which the event or display is to occur together with a time frame within which the event or display will occur. The fire marshal is authorized to immediately revoke any permit if the permittee fails to complete the notice requirements of this subsection.

(e)

Any person violating any provision of this Section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of not more than $500.00 and/or imprisonment for not more than 30 days. Violators may be subject to a civil penalty of $500.00 per violation to be recovered in the nature of debt if not paid within 30 days.

(Res. No. 2016-014, Att., 1-3-2016, eff. 1-3-2016)