Gov't updates fireworks laws

PERKINS TWP. — The legislation didn't make a major bang or create too much noise. But Perkins Township officials did need to clean up some language to bring its fireworks-related laws up to date. During a recent public meeting, township trustees approved three changes as they relate to people discharging these explosives and selling them. Arielle Blanca, the township's community development director, provided a primer: 1. Updating the law "The Ohio Fire Code recently updated the regulations for fireworks. As a result, portions of the Perkins Township zoning resolution became outdated. To bring our local regulations in line with the updated state fire code, community development staff collaborated with the Perkins Township Fire Department to revise the zoning resolution to ensure that any business selling fireworks in the township is doing so legally and in compliance with current safety standards." 2. Permitting certain devices "A second change was made within our zoning resolution to allow licensed fountain device retailers within the general commercial zoning district. This was a change that took place within the state fire code that Perkins Township updated to match. A fountain device is a firework similar to sparklers. They are nonexplosive fireworks that cannot be launched into the sky. The state now allows these types of fireworks to be sold at commercial stores, such as big box retailers, as long as they apply for and receive a license from the state." 3. Getting a licensing requirement This "requirement just applies to firework retailers: A license must be obtained from the Ohio Department of Commerce, division of state fire marshal, in accordance with current state requirements."