San Diego County, CA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required for
- manufacture, possession, sale, distribution
- Issuing agency
- County Fire Warden
- Permit term
- 1 year, renewable
- Display permit lead time
- at least 30 days ahead
- Applies to
- unincorporated County area only
Summary
In unincorporated San Diego County, manufacturing, possessing, selling, or distributing fireworks without a Fire Warden-issued permit is unlawful under County Code Section 32.104.
SEC. 32.104. PERMITS REQUIRED FOR MANUFACTURE, POSSESSION, SALE AND DISCHARGE OF FIREWORKS. (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to manufacture, possess, sell or distribute fireworks in the unincorporated area of the County without a permit issued by the Issuing Officer.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-141: Administrative: Current through Ord. No. 11007 (N.S.), effective 7-10-26 | Regulatory: Current through Ord. No. 11008 (N.S.), effective 7-24-26).
Full Breakdown
San Diego County Code Section 32.104 makes it unlawful to manufacture, possess, sell, or distribute fireworks in the unincorporated area without a permit from the County Fire Warden, the Issuing Officer under this chapter. Permits expire one year after issuance and are renewable. Anyone wanting a public display must apply at least 30 days before the event and have the show run by a state-licensed pyrotechnic operator; Section 32.105 requires a liability insurance certificate naming the County as an additional insured before that display permit can be granted. Section 32.106 requires safe disposal of any fireworks left unused after a display.
Violations & Fines
Violating any County Code provision, including the fireworks permit requirement, is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine, six months in County Jail, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fireworks legal in unincorporated San Diego County?
Can I get a permit for a fireworks display?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego County
How San Diego County compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego County to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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