Cowlitz County, WA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

040 states that no person, firm, corporation, association, or other entity shall sell fireworks at retail in the unincorporated portion of Cowlitz County without first obtaining a permit as provided in the chapter. 030, with authority delegated from the Board of County Commissioners. 060 must go to Building and Planning by May 10th for the July Fourth selling period or November 10th for the New Year's Eve period, accompanied by a valid State Fireworks License, the application fee, property-owner consent if the applicant does not own the site, and a site diagram showing distances to streets, buildings and barrier lines.

070 sets stand location and setback rules: a stand must sit on land zoned or classified for commercial, industrial, agricultural or forestry-recreation use, be at least 20 feet from any structure on the back or side and 40 feet from any structure to the front, 5 feet from a side or rear property line and 20 feet from a front property line, and 100 feet from any stored flammable or combustible liquid or propane. At least 10 off-street parking spaces are required at least 20 feet from the stand, and the stand plus all debris must be cleared by July 15th or January 10th.

080 requires a site inspection before a permit issues, a stand inspection before fireworks are received from the wholesaler, and liability insurance of at least $50,000 per person, $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and $50,000 for property damage, naming the county as additional insured. 080(B)(4).