All fireworks — including those classified as 'Safe and Sane' by the State of California — are banned within Chico city limits. CMC 16R.42.100 amends CCR Title 19 Ch. 6 and California Fire Code §5601 to prohibit the manufacture, possession, storage, sale, use and handling of any fireworks. The only exception is permitted public displays under CMC 16.48.020, which must follow CCR and CFC rules. This is significantly stricter than state law, which lets cities choose to allow Safe-and-Sane sales around July 4. Chico's ordinance reflects the city's wildfire-adjacent status (Camp Fire, 2018) and the dry late-summer climate of the Sacramento Valley.
CMC 16R.42.100 — 'The manufacturing, possession, storage, sale, use and handling of any fireworks, including those fireworks designated as Safe and Sane by the State of California, is prohibited within the city limits. However, use and handling of fireworks for public display may be permitted pursuant to section 16.48.020 of this code and such use and handling shall be in accordance with California Code of Regulations and California Fire Code fireworks regulations.' State Health & Safety Code §12677 makes possession of any 'dangerous fireworks' (anything not labeled Safe-and-Sane) a misdemeanor and authorizes administrative fines up to $50,000 (HSC §12557). The Chico FD reiterates the ban each year in its pre-Fourth public-safety release. Sky lanterns, M-80s, bottle rockets, Roman candles, mortars and any aerial device are all illegal. Possession on parcels in a CAL FIRE FHSZ can also trigger PRC §4423/4170 reckless-burning charges.
First-tier administrative citation under CMC Title 1; misdemeanor prosecution available under HSC §12677. The City uses a social-host / parental-responsibility framework — adult occupants of a residence where fireworks are discharged can be cited. Cost-recovery for fire-suppression response is authorized when discharge causes ignition.
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