Selma Adopts Ordinance Prohibiting Balloon Releases

SELMA — Releasing even a single balloon into the air intentionally is now prohibited within the Selma town limits.

The Town Council unanimously adopted the new ordinance during its Oct. 13 meeting, making Selma the only municipality in Johnston County with a local ordinance specifically prohibiting balloon releases.

The ordinance applies to individuals, businesses, organizations and other entities and prohibits the intentional release of one or more balloons into the air.

Mayor Byron McAllister said the ordinance is aimed at deliberate releases, not accidents.

A child who unintentionally lets go of a balloon outdoors, for example, would not be cited, McAllister said.

Balloons may still be used outdoors if they are secured by a permanent tether that prevents them from being released.

Once released, balloons eventually return to the ground or fall into waterways, where they can become litter and pose a threat to wildlife. Animals can mistake balloon material for food or become entangled in strings or ribbons, potentially causing injury or death.

The ordinance also prohibits the release of untethered sky lanterns, although those devices were already prohibited statewide.

North Carolina has prohibited untethered sky lanterns since Jan. 1, 2017, under the State Fire Prevention Code.

Sky lanterns, sometimes called Chinese lanterns or wish lanterns, are airborne devices that use an open flame or other heat source to lift them into the air. Because they travel with an uncontrolled flame, they can also create a fire hazard after being released.

Selma’s balloon restriction appears to be unique among Johnston County local governments.

Archer Lodge, Benson, Clayton, Four Oaks, Kenly, Micro, Pine Level, Princeton, Smithfield and Wilson’s Mills do not have local ordinances prohibiting balloon releases. Johnston County also does not have an ordinance prohibiting balloon releases.

Violations of Selma’s ordinance are subject to a civil monetary penalty.