LOWELL -- The Planning Commission was asked to change city code to make it easier for temporary firework stands to operate in the city.
Kris Sullivan, planning director, said temporary stands must receive conditional permits to operate in Lowell. She said the process for receiving a permit is costly and timely for the stands.
A conditional permit must be approved by the Planning Commission, which meets twice a month. Businesses asking for the permit also must pay for the notification of the meeting. The notification is sent to nearby property owners via mail.
"It is a long process for them to go through to only operate for a few weeks," Sullivan said.
Several firework stands have decided not to operate in the city because of the process, Sullivan said.
Some commissioners had concerns about making the stands a permitted use.
Mitch Wright, commissioner, said codes need to be updated and written clearly to limit how the stands can operate.
Firework stands have to meet state regulations when operating in the city, Fire Chief Mike Morris said. He said this includes receiving an inspection from fire officials.
Morris said there are some ways he would like to strengthen the city code. He said this includes expanding the distance the stands must be from fueling stations. He said the stands can operate within 50 feet of a fueling station. He said that could be at least 250 feet.
Todd Fenix, commissioner, said he's on the fence about removing the permit phase for the stands.
"I am trying to run through my head the possible consequences of doing this," Fenix said. "The sales tax benefit would be one of the positives."
Sullivan said the stands also have to pay the city $500 to operate.
James Milner, commissioner, said he didn't have a concern with allowing the stands to operate without a permit.
"I don't know if we have to see this," Milner said. "If there is an ordinance that covers temporary firework stands then that should be sufficient."
Wright asked city staff to draft changes to the firework ordinance and bring it back before the commission.
NW News on 05/17/2016