Smyrna Tightens Local Fireworks Laws

SMYRNA, GA — Smyrna residents and anyone else wanting to shoot off fireworks in the city will have to comply with new noise regulations, excluding certain holidays.

Smyrna City Council members unanimously approved changes to its fireworks laws this week, bringing it in line with the city's existing noise ordinance. Anyone planning to use fireworks in city limits outside of certain holidays must still apply for a $100 special use permit.

Exceptions to the noise regulations, which take effect May 15, and the special use permit requirement include the following days:

• last Saturday and Sunday in May;
• July 3-4;
• the first Monday in September;
• and Dec. 31 (New Year's Eve) from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Jan. 1;

Outside these days, it is illegal to ignite fireworks in the city between 10 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. unless a special use permit is given, and even then, the noise cannot exceed 60-80 decibels depending on the time of day and type of property.

Smyrna's ordinance says people also have to have written permission from the city administrator, in addition to the special use permit, to shoot fireworks on city property.