TITLE
Title
ADOPT RESOLUTION AMENDING GUILFORD COUNTY FIREWORKS POLICY
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
Robin Keller, Clerk to Board
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BACKGROUND
Background
Pursuant to NC General Statute § 14-413, the Board of Commissioners has served as the responsible authority for issuing fireworks permits in Guilford County. The permitting process had been delegated to the Clerk to Board's office for years and now, due to the significant changes in fire safety standards, pyrotechnic regulations and the volume and complexity of requested permits, the Board has decided to delegate the role to the following: the Guilford County Emergency Services Director, or his designee, for all areas within Guilford County, excluding the city limits of Greensboro and High Point; the Greensboro City Council for all areas within the city limits of Greensboro; and the High Point City Council for all areas within the city limits of High Point. Upon adoption, the resolution will be effective December 31, 2026.
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RESOLUTION
Resolution
WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C. General Statute § 14-413 the Board of County Commissioners is authorized to issue permits for use in connection with the conduct of concerts or public exhibitions, such as fairs, carnivals, shows of all descriptions and public celebrations; and
WHEREAS, currently the Guilford County’s Fireworks Permitting process has been delegated to the Clerk to Board’s Office; and
WHEREAS, over the years significant advancements have been made in the regulation and establishment of fire safety standards, including numerous changes to credentialing of fireworks shooters and operators, structure safety requirements and fire suppression standards; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C. General Statute § 14-413 the Board of County Commissioners may authorize the governing body of any city in the county to issue permits pursuant to the provisions of this Article for pyrotechnics to be exhibited, used, or discharged within the corporate limits of the city for use in connection with the conduct of concerts or public exhibitions.
WHEREAS, the Guilford County Board of Commissioners desires to authorize the governing bodies of the City of Greensboro and the City of High Point the authority to issue permits pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 14-413 for pyrotechnics to be exhibited, used, or discharged within the corporate limits of the city for use in connection with the conduct of concerts or public exhibitions.
WHEREAS, the Guilford County Board of Commissioners also desires to designate the Guilford County Emergency Services Director, or his/her designee, the authority to issue permits pursuant to the Board of Commissioners’ authority for pyrotechnics to be exhibited, used, or discharged in any area within Guilford County, excluding the City limits of Greensboro and High Point, NC.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Guilford County Board of Commissioners that:
1) Upon adoption of this resolution the Guilford County Emergency Services Director, or designee, will have the full authority allowed in N.C.G.S § 14-413 to issue permits for the use and connection with the conduct of concerts or public exhibitions, such as fairs, carnivals, shows of all descriptions and public celebrations, but only after satisfactory evidence is produced in accordance to said statute; and
2) The governing bodies of the City of Greensboro and the City of High Point have the authority to issue permits pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 14-413 for pyrotechnics to be exhibited, used, or discharged within the corporate limits of the city for use in connection with the conduct of concerts or public exhibitions.
3) No exhibition, display or use of fireworks or pyrotechnics of any kind is permitted in Guilford County without a valid Permit to Use Fireworks issued by the County or City Jurisdiction.
4) To obtain a Guilford County Permit to Use fireworks applicant must provide proof of satisfactory general liability insurance and a valid current State Permit issued pursuant to N.C.G.S § 14-410. Permits are not valid unless final approval is obtained by the applicable inspection agency.
Adopted this the 1st day of October 2026.
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BUDGET IMPACT
Budget Impact
NO ADDITIONAL COUNTY FUNDS REQUIRED
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REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Adopt resolution amending Guilford County Fireworks Policy to delegate authority allowed in NCGS 14-413 to issue permits for the use and in connection with the conduct of concerts or public exhibitions, such as fairs, carnivals, shows of all descriptions and public celebrations, to the Guilford County Emergency Services Director, or their designee, and the governing bodies of the City of Greensboro and the City of High Point effective December 31, 2026.
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