COLUMBIA, S.C. — While just about everyone loves a fireworks show on the Fourth of July and New Year's Eve, not everyone appreciates the noise when the fireworks are next door or across the street any other time of the year.
Richland County has updated their fireworks ordinance that covers all unincorporated areas of the county and goes into effect on July 1.
The new ordinance makes the following unlawful:
- Using, discharging, shooting or igniting fireworks or similar explosives between the hours of 10 p.m. an 7 a.m.. The only exceptions are until 1 a.m. on January 1 and July 5 when celebrating New Year's Eve and July 4.
- Using fireworks within 600 feet of a school or church without prior authorization, aside from private property.
- Negligently, recklessly or intentionally direct the discharge of fireworks toward a structure, animal or person
- Intentionally detonate fireworks upon the land of another person without express prior consent
- Intentionally dump, throw, drop, deposit, discard or otherwise fire onto another’s property without express prior consent
- Offer for sale or sell fireworks to children younger than 16, unless they are accompanied by a parent
- Ignite or detonate fireworks within a motor vehicle or discharge them from a vehicle
- Place or throw an ignited firework into a motor vehicle
Penalties for violations range from up to $500 for a first offense to as much as $1,000 for a third offense.
Richland County has released a public service announcement about the changes on the County’s YouTube page.