As used in this Article, the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates that a different meaning is intended:
COMMON FIREWORKS
Any fireworks designed primarily to produce visual or audible effects by combustion.
(A) 
The term includes:
(1) 
Ground and hand-held sparkling devices, including items commonly known as dipped sticks, sparklers, cylindrical fountains, cone fountains, illuminating torches, wheels, ground spinners, and flitter sparklers;
(2) 
Smoke devices;
(3) 
Fireworks commonly known as helicopters, aerials, spinners, roman candles, mines and shells;
(4) 
Class C explosives classified as common fireworks by the United States Department of Transportation, by regulations found in the Code of Federal Regulations.
(B) 
The term does not include fireworks commonly known as firecrackers, salutes, chasers, skyrockets, and missile-type rockets.
DANGEROUS FIREWORKS
Any fireworks not defined as a “common firework”.
FIREWORKS
Any composition or device, in a finished state, containing any combustible or explosive substance for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration, or detonation, and classified as common or special fireworks.
SPECIAL FIREWORKS
Any fireworks designed primarily for exhibition display by producing visible or audible effects. The term includes:
(A) 
Fireworks commonly known as skyrockets, missile-type rockets, firecrackers, salutes, and chasers; and
(B) 
Fireworks not classified as common fireworks.
It is unlawful for any person to sell any fireworks within the County other than those fireworks designated in Section 7-7-5 of this Article, provided that this prohibition shall not apply to duly authorized public displays.
It is unlawful for any person to engage in the retail sale of or to sell fireworks or to hold, conduct, or engage in a public display of fireworks within the County without first having obtained a valid permit issued pursuant to the provisions of this Article.
No permit holder shall offer for retail sale or sell any fireworks within the County except from 12:00 Noon on the 28th of June to 12:00 Noon on the 6th of July of each year. No fireworks may be sold or discharged between the hours of 11:00 P.M. and 9:00 A.M. Provided, the sale and use of fireworks as provided in this Section shall be limited to the following: Dipped stick, sparklers and smoke devices.
The annual fee for a “seller’s permit” for the sale of fireworks as may be authorized under this Article, shall be One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) per year for each seller’s permit, payable in advance. The fee for a “public display permit” for the public display of fireworks shall be One Hundred Dollars ($100.00), payable in advance, unless waived by the County Board.
(A) 
Sellers. Each seller’s permit issued under this Article shall be for only one retail outlet. The number of seller’s permits shall not be limited as long as all conditions are met as stated in Section 7-7-11 of this Article. Each seller’s permit issued pursuant to this Article shall be valid only for the current year, shall be used only by the designated permittee and shall be nontransferable.
(B) 
Public display permit. Each public display permit issued pursuant to this Article shall be valid for the specific authorized public display event only, shall be used only by the designated permittee and shall be nontransferable. Any transfer or unauthorized use of a permit is violation of this Article and shall void the permit granted in addition to all other sanctions provided in this Article.
Applications for a permit to conduct a public display of fireworks shall be made to the District Fire Chief at least fourteen (14) days prior to the scheduled event. Applicants shall meet all qualifications and requirements of state law regarding public display of fireworks and all fire and safety requirements as set forth in the standards for public display, and as set forth in Section 7-7-12 of this Article.
Applications for seller’s permits shall be made to the County Clerk annually on or after April 1st of the year for which the permit is issued and the filing period shall close on April 15th of such year unless extended by action of the County Board. Applications shall be signed by the retail seller, if an individual, or by the duly authorized officer, if an association or corporation. It is unlawful for a fireworks manufacturer, wholesaler or supplier to make application for or to obtain a retail sales permit on behalf of any retailer. Seller’s permits for the sale of those fireworks allowed pursuant to Section 7-7-4 of this Article shall be issued only to applicants meeting the following conditions:
(A) 
The retailer or person in charge and responsible for the retail operation shall be twenty-one (21) years of age or older, of good moral character and of demonstrated responsibility.
(B) 
The applicant shall have a valid and current license issued by the State of Illinois authorizing the holder to engage in the retail sale of fireworks. (See 425 ILCS 35)
(C) 
The applicant shall own or have the right to possess a temporary fireworks stand complying with the requirements of this Article.
(D) 
The applicant shall procure and maintain a policy or policies of public liability and property damage insurance issued by a company or companies authorized to do business in the State of Illinois in the following minimum amounts: Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000.00) for injuries to any one person in one accident or occurrence; Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000.00) for injuries to two or more persons in any one accident or occurrence; Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000.00) for damage to property in any one accident or occurrence; Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000.00) combined single limit for any one accident or occurrence. In addition, the County is to be an additional named insured and the policy shall provide for the immediate notification of the County by the insurer of any cancellation of any policy.
(E) 
The permit holder’s location or place of business shall be only in those areas or zones within the County where commercial activities are authorized under applicable zoning law; provided, that the sale of those fireworks authorized by Section 7-7-5 of this Article shall not be deemed an enlargement of an existing nonconforming use.
(F) 
The applicant shall post with the County a performance bond or a cash deposit in an amount not less than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) conditioned upon the prompt removal of the temporary fireworks stand and the cleaning up of all debris from the site of the stand, which deposit shall be returned to the applicant only in the event that the applicant removes the temporary stand and cleans up all debris to the satisfaction of the County. In the event the applicant fails to do so, the performance bond or cash deposit shall be forfeited. In no event shall the applicant be entitled to the return of the performance bond or cash deposit if he or she has failed to remove the stand and clean up all debris by the tenth (10th) of July following the sales period.
(G) 
No seller’s permit shall be issued for a location which fails to meet the criteria set forth in Section 7-7-11 of this Article, including the minimum stand separation requirement. When necessary, in order to determine priority as to a proposed location, the earliest date and time of filing of an application for a seller’s permit with the County Clerk shall be controlling.
All approved fireworks as set forth in Section 7-7-5 of this Article except toy paper caps containing not more than twenty-five hundredths grain of explosive compound for each cap and trick or novelty device not classified as common fireworks, shall be sold and distributed only from temporary stands.
The temporary stands of all seller’s permit holders shall conform to the following minimum standards and conditions:
(A) 
Temporary fireworks stands need not comply with all provisions of the Building Code; provided, however, that all such stands be erected under the supervision of the County Building Inspector, who shall require all stands to be constructed in a safe manner ensuring the safety of attendants and patrons. In the event any temporary stand is wired for electricity, the wiring shall conform to the electrical code.
(B) 
No temporary fireworks stand shall be located within fifty (50) feet of any other building or structure, nor within two hundred fifty (250) feet of any gasoline station, oil storage tank or premises where flammable liquids or gases are kept or stored.
(C) 
Each temporary fireworks stand must have at least two exits, which shall be unobstructed at all times.
(D) 
Each temporary fireworks stand shall have, in a readily accessible place, at least two, two and one-half (2½) gallon pressurized water fire extinguishers which are in good working order.
(E) 
All weeds, grass, and combustible material shall be cleared from the location of the temporary fireworks stand and the surrounding area to a distance of not less than twenty-five (25) feet, measured from the exterior walls of the temporary fireworks stand.
(F) 
No smoking shall be permitted in or near a temporary fireworks stand for a distance of not less than fifty (50) feet measured from the exterior walls of the temporary fireworks stand. Signs stating: “No Smoking Within 50 Feet” shall be posted on the exterior of each wall of the temporary fireworks stand.
(G) 
Each temporary fireworks stand shall have a person who is eighteen (18) years old or older in attendance at all times the stand is stocked. Stock from the stand shall not be removed and stored in any other building during the sales period without the express approval of the District Fire Chief.
(H) 
All unsold stock and accompanying litter shall be removed from the temporary fireworks stand by 12:00 Noon on the seventh (7th) day of July of each year.
(I) 
No temporary fireworks stand shall be located within five hundred (500) feet of any other temporary fireworks stand.
(J) 
Each temporary fireworks stand shall have provisions for sufficient off-street parking, at least fifteen (15) spaces, to avoid impeding a continuous flow of traffic at entrances and exits from the premises.
(K) 
No person shall discharge any fireworks within two hundred fifty (250) feet of the exterior walls of any temporary fireworks stand. Signs stating: “No discharge of fireworks within 250 feet.” shall be posted on the exterior of all walls of the temporary fireworks stand.
All public fireworks displays shall conform to the following minimum standards and conditions:
(A) 
All public fireworks displays shall be planned, organized and discharged by pyrotechnician, “Pyrotechnician” means an individual who by experience and training has demonstrated the required skill and ability for safety setting up and discharging displays of special fireworks. All individuals shall have a license under the provisions of the Pyrotechnic Distributor and Operator Licensing Act. (225 ILCS 227)
(B) 
A permit must be obtained from the County and approved by the District Fire Chief or designee prior to any display of public fireworks. The permit shall include the name of the applicant and his or her address, the name of the Pyrotechnician and his or her address; the exact location, date and time of the proposed display; the number, type and class of fireworks to be displayed the manner in which the fireworks are being stored prior to the public fireworks display; and shall include the name and address of the insurance company providing the bond required.
(C) 
A drawing shall be submitted to the District Fire Chief showing a plan view of the fireworks discharge site and the surrounding area within a five hundred (500) foot radius. The drawing shall include all structures, fences, barricades, street fields, streams and any other significant factors that may be subjected to ignition or that may inhibit firefighting capabilities.
(D) 
When, in the opinion of the District Fire Chief, such requirement is necessary to preserve the public health, safety and welfare, the permit may require that a Fire Department pumper and a minimum of two trained firefighters shall be on site thirty (30) minutes prior to and after the shooting of the event. The exhibitor shall repay the County for all costs to firefighters for such time.
(E) 
All combustible debris and trash shall be removed from the area of discharge for a distance of three hundred (300) feet in all directions.
(F) 
All unfired or “dud” fireworks shall be disposed of in a safe manner.
(G) 
A minimum of two 2A-rated pressurized water fire extinguishers and one fire blanket shall be required to be at the fireworks discharge site.
(H) 
The permit shall be immediately revoked at any time the District Fire Chief or a designee deems such revocation is necessary due to noncompliance, weather conditions such as, but not limited to, extremely low humidity or high winds. The display shall also be cancelled by accidental ignition of any form of combustible or flammable material in the vicinity due to falling debris from the display.
(I) 
Areas of public access shall be determined by the District Fire Chief or designed and maintained in an approved manner.
(J) 
The applicant shall obtain a Five Million Dollar ($5,000,000.00) liability insurance policy.
It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge or possess any fireworks upon public land or in any public park, owned by the County, provided, however, that such use shall be permitted under the following circumstances:
(A) 
This provision shall not apply to possession of fireworks in the otherwise lawful use of public rights of way such as sidewalks and planting strips. This subsection shall not be a defense to a charge of obstructing traffic or otherwise obstructing a public right of way.
(B) 
The District Fire Chief shall designate limited areas for use during the hours permitted by the Article for the discharge of fireworks as allowed by Section 7-7-5 of this Article. Otherwise lawful discharge and possession of fireworks as allowed by Section 7-7-5 in such areas shall not be a violation of this Section. In doing so, the District Fire Chief shall consider:
(1) 
The sensitivity of the area’s environment, wildlife and wildlife habitat;
(2) 
The inconvenience and nuisance to abutting property owners;
(3) 
The safety and suitability of the area as a place for the discharge of fireworks; and
(4) 
Danger of fire or other destruction of public property and improvements from the use of the fireworks.
(C) 
Upon designation of any area, it shall be signed and posted by July 1st of each year for use on July 4th between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 11:00 P.M. Designation of any area may be appealed in writing to the County Board by any citizen of the County. The decision of the County Board shall be final.
(D) 
Nothing in this Article shall be deemed to limit the authority of the County Board to allow event display of special fireworks under a permit issued in accordance with the provisions of the Code and State statutes.
This Code does not prohibit the assembling, compounding, use and display of special effects of whatever nature by any person engaged in the production of motion pictures, radio, or television productions, theatricals or operas when such use and display is a necessary part of the production and such person possesses a valid permit issued by the County in accordance with Sections 7-7-7 and 7-7-8 of this Code.
This Code does not prohibit the use of flares or fuses in connection with the operation of motor vehicles, railroads, or other transportation agencies for signal purposes or illumination or for use in forest protection activities.
The provisions of this Code shall not be applicable to toy paper caps containing not more than twenty-five hundredths grain of explosive compound for each cap and trick nor to novelty device not classified as common fireworks.
This Code is intended to implement applicable State law, to wit, Chapters 225 ILCS 227 and 425 ILCS 35, and shall be construed in connection, with that law and any and all rules or regulations issued pursuant to that law.
The District Fire Chief or designee, is authorized to enforce all provisions of this Code and, in addition to criminal sanctions or civil remedies, may revoke any permit issued pursuant to this Code upon any failure or refusal of the permittee to comply with the lawful orders and directives of the District Fire Chief or designee, or to comply with any provisions of this Code or the requirements of the community development code relating to temporary structures.
It is unlawful for any person to discharge or use fireworks in a reckless manner which creates a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury to another person or damage to the property of another.
(See Section 1-1-20 for penalties.)