Berwyn, IL Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- Core rule
- Possess, sell, use or explode fireworks is unlawful citywide
- Fine
- $50 to $750 per offense, each day separate
- Display permit application
- In writing to the Mayor, 15 days ahead
- Bond for display
- Not less than $2,000, plus insurance
- Hospital buffer
- 600 feet from hospitals, nursing homes, asylums, infirmaries
- Seizure
- Search warrant, forfeiture and destruction of fireworks
Summary
In the City of Berwyn, Illinois, it is unlawful to knowingly possess, sell, offer for sale, use or explode fireworks inside city limits. The only path is a permit for a supervised public display, issued through the Mayor's office. Violations carry a fine of $50 to $750, and every day of a continuing violation counts as a separate offense.
Except as hereinafter provided it is unlawful for any person, firm, copartnership, or corporation to knowingly possess, offer for sale, expose for sale, sell at retail, or use or explode any fireworks within the corporate limits of the city. ... It is unlawful for all persons, including those with a permit to conduct a fireworks display to discharge, ignite or explode fireworks at any point in the city within 600 feet of any hospital, nursing home, asylum or infirmary. ... any person, firm, co-partnership, or corporation violating any provisions of this chapter, as amended, shall be fined not less than $50 nor more than $750 for each offense, and a separate offense shall be regarded as committed each day during which such person, firm, co-partnership, or corporation shall continue such violation.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 692 of the Berwyn Code of Ordinances sets a citywide prohibition, adopted by the City Council as Ord. 18-17 on June 12, 2018. Section 692.03 makes it unlawful for any person, firm, copartnership or corporation to knowingly possess, offer for sale, expose for sale, sell at retail, or use or explode any fireworks within the corporate limits. Section 692.01 separately bans manufacturing fireworks, firecrackers, torpedoes, rockets, Roman candles and similar articles in the city.
The definition in Section 692.02 is broad, covering any explosive composition made to produce a visible or audible effect, plus blank cartridges, toy cannons that use explosives, skyrockets and fire balloons. It carves out items that stay legal at all times, including snake or glow worm pellets, smoke devices, party poppers, snappers, sparklers, and toy pistols or caps holding 25 hundredths grains or less of explosive compound.
The one exception is a supervised public display under Section 692.04. The Mayor and Aldermen adopt rules for these permits. A written application goes to the Mayor at least 15 days ahead of the display, and the permit cannot be transferred. Permits go to groups of five or more adults or to a state, county or local government entity. The applicant posts a bond of not less than $2,000 and shows bodily injury and property damage insurance in an amount the Mayor approves. The Mayor or the Chief of the Berwyn Fire Department, or a designee, inspects the site first, and the original application and a copy are filed with both the Mayor's office and the Fire Chief. The City itself needs no permit or bond.
Even a permit holder cannot discharge fireworks within 600 feet of a hospital, nursing home, asylum or infirmary (Section 692.05). Section 692.06 protects fuses and signals used by railroads, utilities, aircraft and carriers, blank cartridges for theater and sports, and use by military and law enforcement.
Violations & Fines
Section 692.08 sets a fine of not less than $50 and not more than $750 for each offense, and each day a violation continues is a separate offense. That penalty is added to anything imposed under the Illinois Fireworks Use Act or other state law. Under Section 692.07, the Berwyn Fire Department, Police Department, the Mayor or the Office of the State Fire Marshal can seek a search warrant from the circuit court. A court finding of unlawful possession results in confiscation, forfeiture and destruction of the fireworks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set off consumer fireworks at home in Berwyn?
How do I get a permit for a public fireworks display in Berwyn?
How much is the fine for a fireworks violation in Berwyn?
Where are fireworks banned even with a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Berwyn
How Berwyn compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Berwyn to another location·View the Illinois fire regulations overview
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Fireworks in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cook County handle fireworks.