Please remember fireworks are not for everyone. There are many veterans and pets that are caused great stress during these displays. But, if you must have a fireworks display, remember that no fireworks are to be set off after 10:30 p.m. in the Township. Here is more information on firework displays:
CONSUMER FIREWORKS
A. Any combustible or explosive composition or any substance or combination of substances which is intended to produce visible or audible effects by combustion, is suitable for use by the public, complies with the construction, performance, composition and labeling requirements promulgated by the Consumer Products Safety Commission in 16 CFR (relating to commercial practices) or any successor regulation and complies with the provisions for consumer fireworks as defined in APA 87-1 or any successor standard, the sale, possession and use of which shall be permitted throughout this commonwealth.
B. The term does not include devices as "ground and hand-held sparkling devices," "novelties" or "toy caps" in APA 87-1 or any successor standard, the sale, possession and use of which shall be permitted at all times throughout this commonwealth.
§ 106-4 Township permit requirements.
A. All fireworks display operators shall be technicians licensed by the State of Pennsylvania Fire Marshal's Office and shall submit proof of same to the Township Zoning Officer.
B. Applicants shall submit a transient retail business permit application per Chapter 182, Township Ordinance 2012-15.
C. Applicants shall submit a full site plan that identifies the full operation on site (firing zone with all separation distances indicated, drop zone with separation distances indicated, audience areas with separation distances indicated, separation distance to all structures on site and wood areas, etc.).
D. Submit affidavit letter from legal property owners granting permission of fireworks display. (All parties must sign letter.)
E. Submit certificate of insurance as required by State Fire Marshal, with additional insured "West Hanover Township rider."
F. Submit application 10 work days prior to the event; indicate time of display.
G. Applicants must contact Pennsylvania State Police Troop H and put them on notice of intended display activities for the record.
H. Applicants must contact the West Hanover Township Fire Marshal to inform him of display activities for the record.
I. All approved permits shall be on site and made available to the West Hanover Township Fire Marshal during event.
J. Applicants shall provide West Hanover Township with proof of a bond in the amount of $100,000 and/or a public liability insurance policy in the amount of $100,000.
K. Applicants shall submit a (MSDS) material safety data sheet for all products being used during any operation within the jurisdiction of West Hanover Township with their permit application.
§ 106-5 Fire protection coverage.
A. The West Hanover Township Fire Marshal shall determine what, if any, Fire Department resources will be required to stand by during the event. The Township Fire Marshal shall make the final decision as to the safety of the scene and grant or deny permission for the display to proceed after evaluating the current site conditions at the proposed time.
B. Applicants shall be responsible for reimbursing the West Hanover Township Fire Company for fees determined by the Fire Marshal to cover the cost of manpower, apparatus, fire, police and any other accessories necessary to cover applicant fireworks display activities. All fees must be paid to the Fire Company prior to permit issuance by the Zoning Officer.
§ 106-6 Hours of detonation.
No person shall detonate or discharge or cause to be detonated or discharged or permit to be detonated or discharged on his property any fireworks within West Hanover Township after the hour of 10:30 p.m. daily, prevailing time.
§ 106-7 Violations and penalties.
A. Penalty for violation. Any person who violates the provisions of this chapter shall commit a civil violation punishable by a penalty of not less than $100 and not more than $500. Each day such violation occurs or continues shall constitute a separate violation, plus court costs.
B. Penalty for willful violation. Any person who violates the provisions of this chapter after having been informed by the Zoning Officer or Fire Marshal of West Hanover Township that a planned or anticipated detonation or discharge of fireworks would violate this chapter shall be fined $10,000, plus court costs.