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Concord, NC Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
City Code § 34-2
Possession/sale
Unlawful except G.S. 14-414 exempt items
Discharge
Unlawful without permitted display
Display permit lead time
15 working days advance application
Misdemeanor penalty
Up to 30 days jail, $500 fine
Civil penalty
$500 additional
Enforcing agency
Concord Fire Dept. and Police

Summary

Concord bans possessing, storing, selling, or discharging any fireworks within city limits under City Code Sec. 34-2, except items exempted by North Carolina G.S. 14-414 (novelty items like sparklers) and public displays run by licensed operators. Violators face a misdemeanor with up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine, plus a $500 civil penalty.

(a)Except as otherwise provided in this section, it shall be unlawful for any person to possess, store, offer for sale or sell at retail, any kind or type of fireworks of any description within the corporate limits of the city. This subsection shall not apply to fireworks exempted under G.S. 14-414.(b)Except as otherwise provided in this section, it shall be unlawful for any person to discharge in any manner any kind or type of fireworks of any description within the corporate limits of the city. This subsection shall not apply to fireworks exempted under G.S. 14-414 or to a public display of fireworks as permitted by the North Carolina Fire Code and G.S. ch. 58, art. 82A....(f)Any person who shall violate the provisions of subsections (a) or (b) shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punishable by imprisonment up to 30 days or a fine of $500.00, or both. Violators may be subject to a $500.00 civil penalty to be recovered in the nature of a debt.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Concord Code Sec. S. 14-414. Sec. S. ch. 58, art. 82A. Anyone wanting to run a public fireworks display must apply to the Concord Fire Department at least 15 working days ahead with a written plan: the name of the responsible person or group, the state pyrotechnic operator's license, the date, time, duration and location of the display, a narrative description, and a site plan showing audience location, affected buildings and parking, egress routes, fire-protection features, and required PPE (Sec. 34-2(c)). ch. 58, art. 82A (Sec.

34-2(d)). Non-exempt fireworks found within city limits are declared contraband and subject to seizure by the fire prevention bureau or a law enforcement officer unless held by a permitted display operator (Sec. 34-2(e)). Enforcement runs through the fire marshal's office within the fire department and the Concord Police Department.

Violations & Fines

Possessing, selling, or discharging non-exempt fireworks is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine, plus a separate $500 civil penalty recoverable as a debt (Sec. 34-2(f)). Non-exempt fireworks are contraband and can be seized on sight. Running an unpermitted public display carries the same penalties as illegal discharge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set off fireworks in my Concord backyard?
No. City Code Sec. 34-2(b) bans discharging any fireworks anywhere in Concord unless they are exempted under G.S. 14-414 (novelty items like sparklers and snakes) or part of a permitted public display. Setting off aerial or explosive fireworks in your yard is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine, plus a $500 civil penalty.
What fireworks are legal to buy in Concord?
Only items North Carolina classifies as exempt novelties under G.S. 14-414, such as sparklers, snakes, and similar non-aerial, non-explosive items, may be possessed or sold in Concord. Everything else, including firecrackers, bottle rockets, and Roman candles, is illegal to possess, store, or sell within city limits under Sec. 34-2(a).
How do I get a permit for a fireworks display in Concord?
Submit a written plan to the Concord Fire Department at least 15 working days before the event, listing the responsible party, the pyrotechnic operator's state license, the date, time, location, and duration, a narrative description, and a site plan covering audience location, affected structures, egress, fire protection, and required PPE, per Sec. 34-2(c).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Concord

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsFire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsOutdoor BurningSignificant RestrictionsSmoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions

All Concord rules

How Concord compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Concord to another location·View the North Carolina fire regulations overview

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