Fireworks displays: California Environmental Quality Act: California Coastal Act of 1976.

Existing law regulates fireworks and pyrotechnic displays and requires that a permit be obtained from the State Fire Marshal in certain instances. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires a lead agency, as defined, to prepare, or cause to be prepared by contract, and certify the completion of, an environmental impact report on a project, as defined, that it proposes to carry out or approve that may have a significant effect on the environment, or to adopt a negative declaration if it finds that the project will not have that effect. The California Coastal Act of 1976 provides for the planning and regulation of development, under a coastal development permit process, within the coastal zone. Existing law defines development for these purposes. This bill would exempt a municipal fireworks display, as defined, from the provisions of CEQA. Because a lead agency would have to determine the applicability of the exemption and to take certain specified action upon a determination of exemption, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would provide that a coastal development permit is not required for a municipal fireworks display and would specify that "development" does not include a municipal fireworks display. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions.