We, the undersigned residents of Charlottesville, formally petition our elected officials and law enforcement leadership to uphold and enforce the city’s existing prohibition on fireworks, as codified in City Code Chapter 12, Article III, Section 12-32.

This ordinance clearly prohibits the possession, sale, discharge, or use of fireworks within city limits, recognizing the serious risks they pose to public safety, property, and community well-being. However, in recent years, on and around the Fourth of July, there has been a significant increase in the use of illegal fireworks across several neighborhoods, including Orangedale Avenue and adjacent areas. Despite the clear legal restrictions, enforcement has been inconsistent, leaving residents to contend with excessive noise, fire hazards, and risks to personal safety and property, especially in densely populated or historically underserved areas.

We are deeply concerned that this lack of enforcement not only undermines community trust in public safety institutions but also places an unfair burden on residents who must navigate the consequences of these illegal and dangerous activities on their own. 

Accordingly, we respectfully request the following:

A public acknowledgment from city leadership affirming a commitment to enforcing City Code § 12-32;

A plan to allocate additional police patrols on and around the Fourth of July in historically impacted areas;

Active ticketing of offenders and confiscation of illegal fireworks during enforcement operations;

Ongoing community outreach and communication in advance of the holiday period, reminding residents of the fireworks ban and associated penalties;

A post-holiday report summarizing enforcement actions taken and outcomes observed.

We believe that through proactive enforcement and community engagement, the City of Charlottesville can better protect its residents and uphold its own public safety ordinances. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter, and for your continued service to our community.