Downey, CA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Downey's Municipal Code adopts California Health and Safety Code Sections 12500 through 12726 as the baseline for fireworks regulation, applying stricter local rules where the City has adopted them (§3500). on July Fourth; discharge on any other date or at any other hour is unlawful under §3502, though the Fire Department may permit licensed pyrotechnic displays outside that window. Section 3503 requires a responsible adult of at least 18 to supervise discharge, makes possession by anyone under 18 a Code violation, and bars transfers or sales by unlicensed individuals.

Fireworks classified as 'dangerous' under Health and Safety Code §12505, or 'Safe and Sane' fireworks that have been altered, are confiscated and destroyed by the Fire Department at the violator's expense under §3504. No one may discharge fireworks on City property or the public right-of-way without Fire Chief approval (§3505), and storing or selling fireworks at retail requires a valid permit (§3506). Sales permits go only to nonprofit or veteran, religious, civic or charitable organizations that have met in Downey for at least two years and have 25 members; applications are due by October 1 for the following July Fourth, and the City caps permits at 18 per year, awarded by a lottery held the first Wednesday in November (§§3509-3510).

Stands must sit at least 500 feet apart, with no more than two stands per parcel, and groups found violating the fireworks chapter are barred from future permits.