Scottville and Ludington expected to tighten fireworks ordinances

Scottville City Commission and Ludington City Council are both expected to approve tightening their fireworks ordinances Monday evening during their respective regular meetings.

Both cities are proposing amending their fireworks ordinances, allowing them to prohibit the use of fireworks from 1 to 8 a.m. on the day before, the day of and the day after of the 10 federal holidays. State law allows the usage of consumer fireworks during those days, superseding local law. However, the state legislature in May amended the state law allowing local municipalities to regulate usage between 1 to 8 a.m. After receiving numerous complaints, both towns decided to amend their ordinances.

With the exception of the above mentioned dates, fireworks are banned in Scottville city limits. Ludington allows the discharge and use of consumer fireworks between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Scottville will first hold a public hearing concerning amending the city’s current fireworks ordinance. It meets at 5:30 p.m. at city hall, 105 N. Main St. Ludington city council meets at 6:30 p.m. at its city hall, 400 S. Harrison St.