by Ivan Foley
Landmark editor
Local fireworks enthusiasts may have more choices on where to get their explosives next summer.
Under conditions set forth in an ordinance passed unanimously by the Platte City Board of Aldermen Tuesday night, fireworks stands will be allowed in Platte City for a two-week period each summer.
Sales will be allowed within the city limits from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. from June 20 to July 4.
The ordinance has some notable restrictions and requirements. The licensing fee to sell fireworks is $1,500. In addition to the license charge, the city will require a deposit of $1,000 for a clean-up fee. The full amount of the deposit will be refunded to the license holder once the city’s codes officer has determined that the licensee has cleaned the location of trash, litter, debris, signs and temporary structures.
Before a permit will be issued, a certificate of insurance showing general liability coverage of no less than $1 million must be submitted. That insurance must name the city, the Central Platte Fire District and the property owner as the additional insured.
No fireworks stands will be allowed in a residential area. One fire extinguisher will be required every 35 feet with a minimum of one air-pressurized water extinguisher kept in close proximity to the stock of fireworks in a stand/tent.
Applications for fireworks stands or tents must be made on or before the second Monday in May of each year to the city clerk.
Discharge of fireworks, per the same ordinance, is allowed in the city from June 20 to July 3 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on July 4 from 10 a.m. to midnight. If July 4 falls on a Sunday, fireworks cannot be discharged until noon on that day.
At a meeting last fall, Alderman Tony Paolillo said fireworks are legal to shoot off in Platte City, so it makes sense to allow for the sale.
“I never understood why you couldn’t buy them in the city when you’re allowed to shoot them,” he said in a November meeting.
At that same meeting, Jason Metten, city administrator, indicated the licensing fees could be used to pay for the city’s annual fireworks display held at the high school football stadium. The city’s parks department puts on a Fourth of July celebration each year.
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