Fireworks: Lompoc vs Santa Maria

Are 'Safe and Sane' fireworks legal anywhere in Santa Barbara County?

Only inside the city limits of Santa Maria, Lompoc, and Guadalupe in northern Santa Barbara County. Each of those cities annually sets the specific sale dates and discharge hours (typically late June through July 4). The fireworks must bear the California State Fire Marshal seal and must be purchased from a licensed stand located inside that city. Anywhere else in the County - including all unincorporated areas, plus the cities of Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria, Buellton, and Solvang - ALL fireworks are illegal, including 'Safe and Sane.'

What happens if I get caught with fireworks in unincorporated Santa Barbara County?

You face a misdemeanor citation under the County's locally adopted Fire Code and County Code Chapter 15, with a fine of up to $2,000 and possible jail time. The fireworks will be seized. If your fireworks cause a vegetation fire, California Health and Safety Code Section 13009 makes you personally liable for the entire cost of suppression - which, in Santa Barbara County's wildfire-prone hills, can easily run into hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars - and you may also face criminal arson or reckless-burning charges under Penal Code Section 451 et seq. The County Fire Department, Sheriff, and CAL FIRE run joint patrols around July 4 and New Year's Eve.

Can I be cited just for letting friends set off fireworks on my property?

Yes. Santa Barbara County and its cities apply a 'social-host' enforcement approach: the property owner or person in control of the premises can be cited when fireworks are discharged there, even if the owner did not personally light them. The same is true for short-term rental operators whose guests use fireworks - both the guest and the host can be cited, and the host's planning permit may be jeopardized. Sky lanterns, which the County considers especially dangerous in fire-season offshore-wind conditions, are illegal under State law everywhere in California.

Are fireworks legal in Santa Maria?

Only Safe and Sane fireworks (with State Fire Marshal seal) are legal during the approved period around July 4th.

What fireworks are banned in Santa Maria?

All aerial fireworks, bottle rockets, firecrackers, and Roman candles are illegal in California.