Can I set off fireworks in Bellaire?

Short answer: No. Bellaire's code makes it unlawful to have, sell, store or set off fireworks anywhere in the city. The ban includes firecrackers and sparklers. Parents and guardians can be cited if a child sets them off.

What counts as fireworks

The code uses a wide list. Section 22-7 says the word "fireworks" includes "fireworks, firecrackers, rockets, sparklers, torpedoes, Roman candles, fire balloons, and all other substances or any combination whatsoever designed or intended to produce a noise or effects of fireworks or pyrotechnics."

So a sparkler on the Fourth of July is covered too. Rule: City Code Sec. 22-7.

Setting them off or having them

Two chapters say the same thing. Chapter 22 says "It shall be unlawful to manufacture, store, sell, possess or set off fireworks within the city." Chapter 13 says it is unlawful "to possess, cast, throw, fire or discharge any fireworks within the city."

You do not have to light them to break the rule. Having them is enough. Rule: City Code Secs. 22-7 and 13-64.

Buying, selling and storing

It is unlawful to "store, offer for sale, expose for sale, sell any fire works" in the city. Making fireworks is also banned: "The manufacture of fireworks is prohibited in the city." The code also says fireworks are "a public nuisance" in Bellaire. Rule: City Code Secs. 13-61, 13-62 and 13-63.

Kids and parents

A parent or guardian may not "use, discharge, ignite, detonate, fire or otherwise set in action any fireworks" in the city. Parents also may not give a minor money to buy fireworks or help a minor have or use them. The code says this is an offense "regardless of whether the minor has been found guilty of the offense." Rule: City Code Secs. 13-64 and 22-8.

Any exceptions?

We read Secs. 13-61 to 13-64, 22-7 and 22-8 and found no permit, public-display or other exception. If a group plans a licensed show, ask the Fire Department before planning anything.

Fireworks you buy outside Bellaire are still banned here. Your deed restrictions or HOA may add rules of their own.

What happens if you don't

The fireworks sections do not set their own fine. The general rule applies: a fine of up to $2,000, because fireworks rules are fire-safety rules, and each day counts as a new offense (Sec. 1-10). The legal basis is Texas Local Government Code Sec. 54.001.

Who to call

Bellaire Police Department. Bellaire Fire Department and Fire Marshal for questions about fire safety.

Sources

• City of Bellaire Code of Ordinances, Secs. 13-61 to 13-64 (fireworks, Chapter 13). library.municode.com/tx/bellaire
• City of Bellaire Code of Ordinances, Secs. 22-7 and 22-8 (fireworks and parental responsibility, Chapter 22). library.municode.com/tx/bellaire
• City of Bellaire Code of Ordinances, Sec. 1-10 (general penalty). library.municode.com/tx/bellaire
• Texas Local Government Code, Sec. 54.001 (maximum fines for city ordinances). statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/LG/htm/LG.54.htm

En español

No. El código de Bellaire prohíbe tener, vender, guardar y encender fuegos artificiales en toda la ciudad. La prohibición incluye petardos y bengalas. La sección 22-7 dice que "fireworks" incluye petardos, cohetes, bengalas, torpedos, velas romanas, globos de fuego y cualquier sustancia diseñada para producir ruido o efectos pirotécnicos.

También es ilegal fabricarlos, venderlos, ofrecerlos en venta o almacenarlos. El código declara los fuegos artificiales "una molestia pública".

Los padres y tutores no pueden encender fuegos artificiales, darle dinero a un menor para comprarlos ni ayudarle a usarlos. Es una infracción aunque el menor no sea declarado culpable. No encontramos ninguna excepción ni permiso en el código. Si planea un espectáculo con licencia, consulte primero con el Departamento de Bomberos.

Las secciones de fuegos artificiales no fijan una multa propia. Se aplica la regla general: multa de hasta $2,000, porque las reglas sobre fuegos artificiales son reglas de seguridad contra incendios, y cada día cuenta como una nueva infracción (Sec. 1-10). La base legal es la Sec. 54.001 del Código de Gobierno Local de Texas. Las reglas de su asociación de vecinos o sus restricciones de escritura pueden ser más estrictas. Para reportar, llame al Departamento de Policía de Bellaire.