(A) Upon application by an affected party, the fire marshal may grant variances from the requirements of this chapter or from the requirements of rules adopted pursuant to this chapter if the fire marshal determines that a literal enforcement of the requirement will result in practical difficulty in complying with the requirements of this chapter or the rules adopted pursuant to this chapter and that the variance will not be contrary to the public health, safety, or welfare. A variance shall not be granted to a person who is initially licensed as a manufacturer or wholesaler of fireworks after June 14, 1988.

(B) The fire marshal may authorize a variance from the prohibitions in this chapter against the possession and use of pyrotechnic compounds to a person who submits proof that the person is certified and in good standing with the Ohio state board of education, provided that the pyrotechnic compounds are used for educational purposes only, or are used only at an authorized educational function approved by the governing board that exercises authority over the educational function.

(C) The fire marshal may authorize a variance from the prohibitions in this chapter against the possession and use of pyrotechnic compounds to a person who possesses and uses the pyrotechnic compounds for personal and noncommercial purposes as a hobby. The fire marshal may rescind a variance authorized under this division at any time, exclusively at the fire marshal's discretion.

Effective Date: 06-29-2001; 09-29-2005.