Moorpark property owners could face civil fines for illegal fireworks launched from their land under a draft ordinance the city is developing with the Ventura County Sheriff's Office.
City officials began researching the host-liability measure in early 2026 and produced a draft in April, the Simi Valley Acorn reported. The proposal is awaiting review by City Attorney Kevin Ennis and could reach the Moorpark City Council later this fall.
Moorpark has no such law yet.
A host-liability ordinance shifts enforcement from the person who lights the fireworks to the property owner, tenant or party host. It allows the city to impose civil fines even when deputies cannot identify who struck the match.
The effort follows a June 23 Ventura County Civil Grand Jury report that examined how cities and law enforcement agencies across the county handle fireworks complaints. The Grand Jury recommended that Moorpark, Simi Valley, Camarillo, Ojai and Thousand Oaks adopt host-liability ordinances. Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula and Ventura already have them.
The Grand Jury cited noise, fire danger, frightened or lost pets and effects on people with post-traumatic stress disorder. It also noted that fireworks complaints are difficult to investigate because the activity often stops before officers arrive or callers cannot pinpoint the source.
Between 2023 and 2025, the Ventura County Fire Department responded to 107 fire calls in which fireworks were a contributing factor, according to the Grand Jury report. A June 2024 fire in Simi Valley started by fireworks burned nearly five acres and required 11 fire trucks, two helicopters and a bulldozer.
Moorpark's move contrasts with neighboring Simi Valley, where the City Council voted unanimously Aug. 19 to reject the Grand Jury's recommendation. In its official response to Ventura County Superior Court, the city said it did not believe an additional layer of civil penalties directed at social hosts was necessary. Simi Valley officials pointed to a decline in fireworks complaints: 535 in June and July 2023, 337 in the same period in 2024 and 333 in 2025.
Moorpark's 2024 Legislative Platform states the city supports legislation addressing illegal fireworks use and enforcement resources. Mayor Chris Enegren and the four-member council have not announced a date for the vote.
Residents can track upcoming agendas on the city's website.
