Fireworks: Petaluma vs Santa Rosa
How do fireworks rules compare between Petaluma, CA and Santa Rosa, CA?
Petaluma and Santa Rosa have similar restriction levels.
Petaluma, CA
Sonoma County
Possession, sale, use, or discharge of fireworks of any kind (including 'safe and sane') is prohibited within the City of Petaluma under PMC §17.20.070 and Ch. 10.65.
View full Petaluma rules →Santa Rosa, CA
Sonoma County
Possession, sale, gift, storage, or discharge of any fireworks — including 'Safe and Sane' — is illegal year-round in Santa Rosa under City Code 18-44.5608.2. Citations carry fines up to $1,000 plus possible misdemeanor jail time.
View full Santa Rosa rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Petaluma | Santa Rosa |
|---|---|---|
| Code | Petaluma Code §17.20.070 & Ch. 10.65 | - |
| Prohibition | All fireworks — no 'safe and sane' exception | - |
| Host Fine (1st) | $1,000 | - |
| Code section | - | Santa Rosa City Code 18-44.5608.2 |
| Voter mandate | - | Measure F (after 2003 Lofty Perch Fire) |
| Fine (local) | - | Up to $1,000; misdemeanor |
| Fine (state) | - | HSC 12677: up to $1,000 + up to 1 year jail |
| 'Safe and Sane' allowed? | - | No — all fireworks prohibited |
| Reporting | - | SRPD non-emergency 707-528-5222 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Petaluma FAQ
Are sparklers OK?
No — Petaluma bans all consumer fireworks regardless of state classification.
What if I just hosted a party and someone else brought fireworks?
The social host ordinance still applies — you can be cited as the host.
Santa Rosa FAQ
Are 'Safe and Sane' fireworks legal in Santa Rosa?
No. All fireworks — including 'Safe and Sane' items like fountains and sparklers — are illegal anywhere in Santa Rosa. It is also unlawful to purchase them in another California city and bring them into Santa Rosa.
What if I just possess them and don't light them?
Possession alone is illegal under City Code 18-44.5608.2 and California HSC 12677. The Fire Department confiscates fireworks as contraband on contact.
Can a neighborhood organization put on a fireworks display?
Only with a permit issued by the fire code official under City Code 18-44.5608.1.2. The application must be submitted at least 20 days in advance and meet Title 19 California Code of Regulations licensing requirements.
How do I report illegal fireworks?
Call the Santa Rosa Police Department non-emergency line at 707-528-5222. The City also accepts reports through the Fire Department.
Compare other topics
See how Petaluma and Santa Rosa compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool