It's a hotly debated thing every summer - how much is too much when it comes to fireworks? When does celebrating the holiday cross the line and become a nuisance? Kalamazoo has laws on the books to answer when and how to light fireworks in the city.

Note, these laws apply in the city of Kalamazoo. Surrounding townships and Portage laws may differ.

Fireworks usage in the city is defined by Kalamazoo city code 15-30.

A person shall not ignite, discharge or use consumer fireworks except during permitted hours on the day preceding, the day of, or the day after a national holiday.
No person shall ignite, discharge or use consumer fireworks between the hours of 12 midnight and 8:00 a.m. of the day preceding, the day of, or the day after a national holiday, except that on New Year's Day no person shall ignite, discharge or use consumer fireworks between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.
No person shall ignite, discharge or use consumer fireworks on public property, school property, church property or the property of another person without that organization's or person's express permission to use consumer fireworks on those premises.

 

Consumer fireworks shall not be sold to a minor.

So let's unpack these. First paragraph defines the times that fireworks may be shot off. They are permitted until midnight on the day of and the 1 day before and after a national holiday (yes, that would include Washington's Birthday for all you February fireworks revelers). Fireworks are permitted an extra hour, until 1am, on New Year's Day.

Fireworks can be lit only on your own property. Use of any other property in the city would require the permission of the owner. So, by my reading, if you rent, you'd need your landlord's permission.

The use of fireworks must adhere to the city's general noise ordinance and a fine of up to $500 could be levied if fireworks laws are broken.

The best advice may be to just leave it to the professionals. Here is a listing of Kalamazoo area 4th of July celebrations.

BONUS VIDEO - Fireworks + Drones Make for Great Show in Watervliet

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