Fireworks: Costa Mesa vs Santa Ana
How do fireworks rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Costa Mesa has fewer restrictions than Santa Ana.
Costa Mesa, CA
Orange County
Costa Mesa permits safe and sane fireworks July 2-4 between 4 PM and 10 PM only. Sales run June 30 through July 4 at licensed locations. All illegal fireworks are prohibited year-round with zero-tolerance enforcement. Report violations at (714) 754-5252.
View full Costa Mesa rules →Santa Ana, CA
Orange County
Santa Ana permits only California State Fire Marshal-approved 'Safe and Sane' fireworks during July 1-4 with specific time restrictions. All other fireworks including firecrackers, bottle rockets, and aerial fireworks are illegal. The city limits fireworks sales stands to 85 citywide.
View full Santa Ana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Discharge | July 2–4, 4 PM – 10 PM | - |
| Sales Period | June 30 – July 4 at licensed sites | - |
| Illegal Types | Felony to sell, misdemeanor to use | - |
| Fine | Up to $1,000 for illegal use | - |
| Report | Dispatch — (714) 754-5252 | - |
| Legal Type | - | Safe and Sane only |
| Discharge Dates | - | July 1-4 with time limits |
| July 4 Hours | - | 10:00 AM to midnight |
| Illegal Fireworks Fine | - | Minimum $1,000 |
| Sales Stands | - | Limited to 85 citywide |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Costa Mesa FAQ
When can I use fireworks in Costa Mesa?
Safe and sane fireworks may be discharged July 2 through July 4 between 4 PM and 10 PM only. Use outside these dates and times is a violation.
Where can I buy fireworks in Costa Mesa?
Safe and sane fireworks are sold at licensed locations cleared by the Fire Department from June 30 through July 4 during authorized sales hours.
What are the penalties for illegal fireworks?
Selling illegal fireworks is a felony. Possession or use is a misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000 and/or jail time. Zero-tolerance enforcement applies.
Santa Ana FAQ
Are fireworks legal in Santa Ana?
Only Safe and Sane fireworks approved by the State Fire Marshal are legal during July 1-4. All other fireworks are illegal with a minimum $1,000 fine.
When can I set off fireworks in Santa Ana?
July 1: 12 PM-10 PM. July 2-3: 10 AM-10 PM. July 4: 10 AM-midnight. Fireworks are prohibited at all other times.
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