DeSoto County firework ordinances highlighted

While you can buy and use fireworks in some places, there are different regulations in different cities of DeSoto County regarding its purchase and/or usage, and at least one bans them completely.  

Here are highlights of fireworks ordinances in DeSoto County cities:

OLIVE BRANCH

• Only Class C fireworks, such as cone fountains, Chinese crackers, Roman candles, reloadable shells, and other items, may be sold at any other time than the time period June 15-July 5 and Dec. 10-Jan. 2.  
• Discharging, shooting and igniting common fireworks is prohibited in the city limits and may be fined up to $50 per occurrence.  
• All fireworks locations must be located in a commercial zone, such as C-2 or C-3. 
• Fireworks retailers must have an annual seasonal retailer’s permit to sell fireworks.
• Tents that are erected to sell fireworks must be proven to be flame-retardant and at least two fire extinguishers are to be on site.  
• No Smoking signs are to be visible and smoking is not allowed on site.  
• Fireworks retailers cannot be located at an existing business, parking lot, or other facility where fireworks retail sales are not the primary intended use.  
• Class B fireworks are the type you see at public celebrations or the Independence Day events. Those displays must have a licensed professional pyrotechnic operator conduct the shows.  
• Any public civic organization or private citizen must have Board of Aldermen approval prior to the exhibition. 

SOUTHAVEN 

• It is unlawful for any possession, sale, or discharge of fireworks inside the city limits unless allowed with a supervised public display permit, application made to the fire department. Permits must be applied for no later than 10 days ahead of the event and show all of the fire and safety regulations are to be complied with.  
• The applicant must provide a bond of at least $1,000 and cover the cost of standby firefighters for the fireworks show.  
• The ordinance also sets forth the fee schedule, which will vary from type of organization involved and the number of people expected to attend.  

Of note, the fireworks building located at the corner of Getwell and Stateline roads in Southaven is allowed because of a 2009 court ruling. The building was part of a Southaven annexation and a court order was issued to allow the continued sale of fireworks at that location.

HORN LAKE

• Fireworks usage is limited to the following times: Sunday-Thursday between 5-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 5 p.m.-12 midnight; Dec. 31, July 3-4, shooting hours will be the same, except that ending time is extended by one hour beyond 12 midnight to 1 a.m., exclusively on those dates.  
• Tents are to be set up no more than three days ahead of sales dates and removed no later than three days after the ending of legal sales. 
• A listing of legal hours of use is to be made available and included in each product package to purchasers. 
• Only one sign per establishment shall be permitted and be approved by the city planning and development office at the time of conditional use application. 
• Fireworks tents are limited to one per lot and parcel.
• No sale of fireworks to minors under 18 years of age.  
• Applicants must apply and be approved for a conditional use permit.  

HERNANDO

• It is unlawful for any person, corporation, association, or otherwise, to sell fireworks in the city limits.  
• It is unlawful for any person, corporation, association, or otherwise to use fireworks in the city limits. 

Make sure your celebration of America is a safe one!