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.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Chico, CA
Chico does not ban artificial turf and the City permits it as part of drought-tolerant landscapes. State law (AB 1572, Cal. Water Code §10608.14, eff. 2027) ...
Chico, CA
CMC §9.56.010 prohibits minors under 18 from loitering in public places between 10:00 PM (11:00 PM during Daylight Savings Time) and 5:00 AM unless accompani...
Chico, CA
CMC Chapter 9.54 (Aggressive and Deceptive Solicitation) bars solicitation at bus stops, in public transit vehicles, on public streets to occupied cars, with...
Chico, CA
Chico Municipal Code Chapter 19.23 regulates Mobile Food Vendors with a dedicated permit process covering applications, operating standards, and enforcement....
Chico, CA
City of Chico parks — including the 3,670-acre Bidwell Park — restrict drone operations under CMC Title 12R; advance written permission is required. CARD-man...
Chico, CA
Commercial drone work in Chico requires an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate; the city does not issue separate commercial UAS permits. Operations on city...
See how Chico's fireworks rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.