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San Luis Obispo County, CA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified June 2026

Key Facts

Code Chapter: SLO County Code Title 6, Chapter 6.32
Administrative Fine: Up to $1,000 per violation
Criminal Fine (dangerous fireworks): Starting at $2,000
Felony Threshold: >500 lbs of fireworks (Cal. H&S Code § 12700 et seq.)
Effective Date: June 19, 2025

Summary

Effective June 19, 2025, an amended SLO County fireworks ordinance (Title 6, Chapter 6.32) bans all unpermitted fireworks, including 'safe and sane' devices, throughout the unincorporated county, with administrative fines up to $1,000 per discharge and criminal penalties for dangerous fireworks.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

All fireworks (use, sale, possession) are illegal within San Luis Obispo County [unincorporated areas]. ... A violation results in a misdemeanor citation with a fine of $2,000. ... Effective June 19, 2025, administrative fines of up to $1,000 per violation apply to any illegal fireworks activity; each discharge is a separate offense, and property owners and parents/guardians of minors are strictly liable.

Source: SLO County Code Chapter 6.32 - Fireworks (Municode)View official code

Full Breakdown

Chapter 6.32 of the SLO County Code regulates fireworks. Section 6.32.015 historically reserved authority to community services and fire districts to permit 'safe and sane' fireworks within their boundaries. In May 2025 the Board of Supervisors adopted an amended ordinance, effective June 19, 2025, that prohibits 'all unpermitted fireworks' in unincorporated areas including Oceano, Cayucos, Nipomo, Avila Beach, Shandon, Creston and Santa Margarita. Under the amended chapter, administrative fines run up to $1,000 per violation, each discharge is a separate offense, and property owners and parents/guardians of minor offenders are strictly liable. Possession or use of 'dangerous' (non-safe-and-sane) fireworks remains a misdemeanor under California Health & Safety Code § 12700 et seq., carrying criminal fines starting at $2,000, with felony exposure for possession of more than 500 pounds. Following Oceano CSD's withdrawal from fire service, safe-and-sane retail fireworks now remain lawful only in the Templeton CSD, San Miguel CSD, and the cities of Arroyo Grande and Grover Beach.

Violations & Fines

Administrative citation up to $1,000 per discharge; misdemeanor citation with a $2,000 fine for dangerous fireworks; felony exposure for >500 lbs; cost-recovery for fire, law enforcement and medical response; seizure of fireworks with disposal costs billed back; fines must be paid before any appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy or use 'safe and sane' fireworks in unincorporated SLO County?

No. After the June 19, 2025 amendment to Chapter 6.32, all unpermitted fireworks, including those labeled 'Safe and Sane' by the State Fire Marshal, are prohibited everywhere in the unincorporated county. The only places in SLO County where safe-and-sane fireworks are still legal are the Templeton CSD, the San Miguel CSD, and the cities of Arroyo Grande and Grover Beach.

What happens if I let someone set off fireworks on my property?

Under the amended ordinance, the property owner is strictly liable regardless of who lit the firework, and a parent or guardian is strictly liable for any violation by a minor in their care. Each discharge counts as a separate offense, so a single party can generate stacked $1,000 fines, plus reimbursement of any fire, police, or medical response.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Luis Obispo County

Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSome Restrictions Outdoor BurningLight Restrictions Wildfire ZonesSome Restrictions Brush ClearanceSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSignificant Restrictions Animal Ordinances: BeekeepingSome Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Native PlantsFew Restrictions Special Events & Permits: Parade PermitsLight Restrictions Gambling & Gaming: Card Room LicensingSignificant Restrictions Local Taxes & Fees: Business Tax ClassificationSome Restrictions

All San Luis Obispo County rules

How San Luis Obispo County compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·California rules heatmap·Compare San Luis Obispo County to another location·View the California fire regulations overview

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