Hayward property owners now responsible for illegal fireworks activity on their property

An updated City of Hayward nuisance ordinance that took effect May 5 makes Hayward property owners responsible for illegal fireworks activity taking place on their properties.

The updated nuisance ordinance, approved unanimously by the City Council last month, is intended to enhance the City’s ability to enforce Hayward’s fireworks ban.

Under the amended nuisance ordinance, owners of properties where fireworks activity takes place, or emanates from, can be cited and face progressively increasing fines of $1,200, $3,000 and $5,000 for a first, second and third incident, respectively.  These civil nuisance citations can be issued for fireworks activity witnessed by a police officer, firefighter or Code Enforcement personnel, or reported by a member of the public and confirmed by the City.

In addition, people who use or sell fireworks in Hayward remain subject to criminal citation by Hayward police and can be criminally prosecuted.

For more information on illegal fireworks enforcement, visit the program page here on the City of Hayward website.  To report illegal fireworks activity, contact the Hayward Police Department at (510) 293-7000, the Code Enforcement Division of the Hayward Development Services Department at (510) 583-4143 or online here through the City’s Access Hayward customer service system.  To report fire resulting from fireworks or any other cause, call 911.