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Fireworks Rules Vary Across Northeast Ohio Ahead of July 4

Municipal home-rule authority has led to a patchwork of ordinances balancing residents’ backyard fireworks plans with public safety priorities

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Overview

  • In July 2022 Ohio legalized consumer-grade 1.4G fireworks for specified holidays but preserved each municipality’s right to ban or tighten restrictions
  • Most Cuyahoga County cities, including Cleveland, Cleveland Heights and Parma, have maintained their longstanding bans on residential fireworks displays
  • Maple Heights aligned its local ordinance with the state law to eliminate confusion and allow fireworks on all state-authorized holidays
  • Brooklyn’s city council settled on a compromise permitting consumer fireworks only on Independence Day after residents voiced mixed opinions
  • Law enforcement agencies are focusing on public education, enforcing minimum discharge distances, banning use while intoxicated and imposing first-degree misdemeanor penalties for violations