8/29/13 - The City of Howell approved some ordinance amendments this week updating its fireworks ordinance to more closely reflect state law. The state had originally planned to allow larger fireworks to be used 24 hours a day during the days before, of, and following certain holidays. A large number of complaints from residents and municipalities about the late-night noise prompted the state to backpedal by allowing local governments to ban fireworks use between 1:00 and 8:00am, even on holidays. The ordinance amendments approved by the city will make it illegal to shoot fireworks during those hours on any day of the year. They also update the fines that will be levied for violations to reflect similar changes to state law. The state changed the law in late June, so the city did not have enough time to change local laws before the July 4th holiday. The changes will take effect upon publication, which will take place before the next fireworks-sanctioned holiday on Labor Day. (TD)
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