Denver, CO Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- DRMC § 38-120
- First-offense fine
- $500 minimum
- Requirement
- Valid authorization from the city
- Parks ban
- Also banned in parks, § 39-8(c)
- Enforcing agency
- Denver Police Department
Summary
Denver treats fireworks as an explosive device: igniting, discharging, or detonating them anywhere in the city is unlawful unless you have valid authorization from the city, under the municipal weapons code.
(a)Unlawful discharge or use of certain weapons. Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, it shall be unlawful for any person to use, deploy, fire, discharge, or detonate any firearm, incendiary or explosive device, gas or mechanically operated gun, sling shot, or any bow made for the purpose of throwing or projecting missiles of any kind.(b)Exceptions. It shall not be an offense under this section if at the time of the use, deployment, firing, discharge, or detonation:(1)The person is a law enforcement officer;(2)The person uses the weapon in a public or private establishment that operates a commercial area for the discharge or other use of firearms or other equipment for silhouette, skeet, trap, black powder, target, self-defense, recreational or competitive shooting, or professional training and used the weapon as part of a legitimate sporting activity; or(3)The person uses a firework with valid authorization from the city.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 147 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
Denver Revised Municipal Code § 38-120 makes it unlawful to use, deploy, fire, discharge, or detonate any firearm, incendiary or explosive device, gas gun, slingshot, or projectile bow anywhere in the city, with a narrow exception for a person who 'uses a firework with valid authorization from the city.' Section 38-117(d) separately classifies an incendiary or explosive device -- which covers fireworks -- as a 'dangerous weapon,' so unauthorized fireworks use is a weapons offense enforced by the Denver Police Department, not just a fire-code infraction. Denver Parks and Recreation separately bans possessing, selling, igniting, or discharging fireworks in any city park under § 39-8(c).
Violations & Fines
First offense: $500 fine minimum. Second offense within five years: $750. Third and subsequent offenses: $999 -- under § 38-128(a), plus possible weapon forfeiture under § 38-129.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set off fireworks in my Denver backyard?
Are sparklers or novelty fireworks allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denver
How Denver compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Denver to another location·View the Colorado fire regulations overview
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