TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Jarad Hildenbrand, City Manager
1. Subject
title
Adopt Resolution No. 11647 or Resolution No. 11648 regarding the City’s Safe and Sane Fireworks Program.
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2. Summary
On February 11, 2025, the Orange City Council adopted Resolution No. 11597 establishing the fees, rules, regulations, and lottery process for the City’s Safe and Sane Fireworks program. On November 12, 2025, the City Council considered potential changes to Resolution No. 11597. Staff are presenting two resolutions for the City Council’s consideration.
3. Recommended Action
recommendation
Adopt Resolution No. 11647 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Orange, California, rescinding and replacing Resolution No. 11597 regarding the application and lottery process to sell “Safe and Sane” fireworks pursuant to Orange Municipal Code Chapter 8.13.
OR
Adopt Resolution No. 11648 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Orange, California, rescinding and replacing Resolution No. 11597 regarding the application and lottery process to sell “Safe and Sane” fireworks pursuant to Orange Municipal Code Chapter 8.13.
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4. Fiscal Impact
None.
5. Strategic Plan Goals
Goal 1: Maintain Strong Emergency and Safety Services.
Goal 2: Enhance Public Communication Strategy and Quality of Life.
6. Discussion and Background
On February 11, 2025, the Orange City Council adopted Resolution No. 11597, adopting the following Safe and Sane Fireworks program processes:
• The fee calculation process pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 12635.5.
• The application and lottery process to receive a Safe and Sane Fireworks permit.
• The maximum number of permits that may be issued each year.
• The local high schools that automatically receive a permit.
• The rules regarding affiliated organizations; and
• Insurance and indemnity requirements.
On November 12, 2025, the City Council considered possible modifications to Resolution No. 11597, including
• Reducing the maximum number of permits to eight.
• Moving the application process back to January with the lottery and selection process occurring in February or March.
• Removing the “affiliated organization” prohibition for groups applying to enter the Safe and Sane Fireworks permit lottery.
• Extending the permit timeframe to two years; and/or
• Prohibiting Qualified Organizations from participating in the immediate lottery process after having secured a Safe and Sane Fireworks permit.
After discussing the five options, the City Council directed staff to:
• Keep the maximum number of permits at 12.
• Move the application process back to January with the lottery occurring in February or March.
• Draft sample language for 1) extending the permit duration to two years; and 2) prohibiting qualified organizations from participating in the immediate lottery process after having secured a Safe and Sane Fireworks permit; and
• Keep the “affiliated organization” language.
Attached are two resolutions. Resolution No. 11647 only moves the application period from March to January. Resolution No. 11648 includes a change to the application timeframe as well as language regarding the permit duration and removal from the lottery after having received a permit.
Staff recommends the City Council adopt Resolution No. 11647 or Resolution No. 11648.
7. ATTACHMENTS
• Resolution No. 11647
• Resolution No. 11647 - Redline
• Resolution No. 11648
• Resolution No. 11648 - Redline