[Ord. No. 1325, 7/9/2018]
1. This Part is adopted in order to protect the environment, particularly
the wildlife, and the health, safety and well-being of persons and
property by prohibiting the release of aerial luminary lanterns and
helium balloons into the atmosphere. The balloons include latex and
Mylar, and it has been determined that the release of balloons inflated
with lighter-than-air gases poses a danger and nuisance to the environment,
particularly to wildlife and marine animals.
2. Also, when a Mylar balloon contacts a power line, its metallic properties
can cause the equipment to short-circuit. The spark could lead to
a power outage and/or fire. These balloons tend to constitute a public
nuisance and may pose a threat to the safety of inhabitants and their
property.
[Ord. No. 1325, 7/9/2018]
As used in this Part, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
AERIAL LUMINARY LANTERN
Any device designed to be airborne upon release into the
environment, regardless of fuel source, including sky lanterns.
BALLOON
A bag made of thin rubber or other light material, usually
brightly colored, inflated with air or with some lighter-than-air
gas (including balloons made of Mylar).
SKY LANTERN
An airborne paper lantern that is constructed of oiled rice
paper on a bamboo frame and contains a small candle or fuel cell composed
of a waxy, flammable material.
[Ord. No. 1325, 7/9/2018]
1. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to intentionally
release or cause to be released an untethered sky lantern, aerial
luminary lantern or similar device.
2. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to intentionally
release, organize the release of, or intentionally cause to be released
balloons inflated with a gas that is lighter than air within the Borough
of Bristol, except for:
A. A balloon released by a person on behalf of a governmental agency
or pursuant to a governmental contract for scientific or meteorological
purposes.
B. Hot-air balloons that are recovered after launching.
C. Balloons released indoors.
[Ord. No. 1325, 7/9/2018]
Any person, firm or corporation who shall violate any provision
of this Part, upon conviction thereof in an action brought before
a Magisterial District Judge, in the manner provided for the enforcement
of summary offenses under the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure,
shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $500 plus costs
and, in default of payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment
not to exceed 90 days. Each day that a violation of this Part continues
or each section of this Part which shall be found to have been violated
shall constitute a separate offense.