Centerburg council weighs fireworks and e-bike rules as DORA begins

Centerburg Village Council is considering two possible public-safety changes: a local restriction on aerial fireworks and an ordinance addressing electric-bike use. Neither measure had been adopted at the council’s July 6, 2026, work session.

The discussion came as the village’s downtown Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, or DORA, began operating July 9. The result is a practical distinction for residents and visitors: the fireworks and e-bike ideas remain proposals, while Ohio law and the village’s existing rules continue to apply.

Fireworks rules remain governed by state law

According to Knox Pages’ report on the work session, Central Ohio Joint Fire District Chief Mark McCann recommended that Centerburg consider banning aerial fireworks within the village. Village Administrator Richard Dzik said Centerburg’s existing code follows the state’s fireworks language.

Ohio Revised Code Section 3743.45 allows the use of certain consumer-grade fireworks on specified dates, including dates around Independence Day, when the statutory conditions are met. The law also requires authorization from the property owner for fireworks used on private property and permits a municipal corporation to restrict the dates and times fireworks may be used or to ban their discharge.

The state law does not eliminate other restrictions. Ohio law specifically preserves enforcement of rules involving noise, disturbance of the peace and disorderly conduct, while fire-code requirements may also apply. McCann said the Central Ohio Joint Fire District would enforce the fire-code portions of the fireworks rules, while law enforcement would handle other enforcement matters.

E-bike proposal would depend on bike class and path rules

Council also discussed a possible local e-bike ordinance after Knox County Sheriff’s Deputy Austin Albanese reported complaints about riders using motors on paths and traveling at high speeds. Village officials planned to revisit the issue in August, but the report did not establish that a vote was scheduled or that an ordinance would be adopted.

Ohio law treats e-bikes differently by class. Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles generally may use paths set aside for bicycles or shared-use paths unless the government or agency controlling the path prohibits them. Class 3 e-bikes may use those paths only when the path is within or adjacent to a highway or the authority controlling the path has authorized their use. Ohio law also restricts Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes on mountain-bike, hiking, equestrian and similar natural-surface trails unless the controlling authority authorizes them.

Riders should check the class label on the bike and any rules posted by the agency controlling the path. Ohio also prohibits anyone under 16 from operating a Class 3 e-bike, although a younger passenger may ride on a Class 3 e-bike designed to carry passengers. Class 3 operators and passengers must wear protective helmets. Those are state requirements, not new Centerburg rules.

DORA rules are already in effect

The village’s official DORA page says people 21 and older may purchase beer, wine or cocktails from participating establishments and carry them within the designated boundaries in marked DORA cups. The listed beverage locations are 1834 Midway Tavern and Long Branch Pizza.

DORA beverages must remain inside the posted boundaries, be purchased from a participating establishment and be served in a marked DORA cup. They may be carried only into businesses displaying the red-circle Welcome DORA decal. Customers may not bring their own alcoholic beverages into the DORA, and a drink purchased at one DORA establishment may not be taken into another DORA establishment.

The village says patrons must be at least 21 to purchase or consume alcohol, and that safety and nuisance laws remain in effect. Drinking and driving is prohibited. The DORA page also says the area may be suspended by the mayor, village administrator or Knox County Sheriff’s Office.

What to watch next

Residents who want to know whether either proposal advances should watch Centerburg’s official agendas, minutes, ordinances and resolutions. Until a local measure is formally adopted, Ohio law and existing village code remain the baseline for fireworks and e-bike conduct.

Sources

• Knox Pages report on the July 6 council work session
• Village of Centerburg DORA rules
• Ohio Revised Code Section 3743.45