Fountain Valley, CA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Fountain Valley Municipal Code § 17.14.020
- Banned acts
- Storage, sale, offer for sale, handling of fireworks
- Exception
- Displays under a permit and Title 19 CCR Chapter 6
- Related ban
- Sky lanterns prohibited by § 17.04.040
- Penalty class
- Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine or six months in jail
Summary
In the City of Fountain Valley, California, the storage, sale, offer for sale, or handling of fireworks is prohibited under the City's amendment to Section 5601.1.3 of the 2022 California Fire Code. The only carve-out is for fireworks displays conducted under a permit issued pursuant to the chapter and Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations.
Section 5601.1.3 of the California Fire Code, 2022 Edition is amended to read as follows: Fireworks prohibited. The storage, sale, offer for sale, or handling of fireworks is prohibited. The provisions of this section do not apply to fireworks displays conducted in accordance with the provisions of any permit issued pursuant to this chapter and Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations, Chapter 6 – Fireworks.
Full Breakdown
Fountain Valley Municipal Code § 17.14.020 amends Section 5601.1.3 of the 2022 California Fire Code to read: fireworks prohibited. The text names four acts that are banned in the City of Fountain Valley: storage, sale, offer for sale, and handling. Nothing in the section creates a retail or seasonal sales allowance. Stands that sell fireworks are therefore outside what the City permits.
The single exception covers fireworks displays. The prohibition does not apply to displays conducted in accordance with the provisions of any permit issued pursuant to Chapter 17.14 and Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations, Chapter 6, Fireworks. A display needs that permit before it happens. Under § 17.08.020, any person who commences any work, activity, or operation regulated by the fire code before obtaining the necessary permits pays a penalty equal to one hundred percent of the required permit fee.
The City Council adopted this amendment in Ordinance No. 1592 in 2022, when it adopted the 2022 California Fire Code with modifications under § 17.02.020. The Fountain Valley Fire Department administers the fire code through the fire code official. A person who disagrees with a fire code order appeals to the City Manager, who serves as the Board of Appeals under § 17.02.060 and can designate an outside hearing officer.
Two related rules sit elsewhere. Section 17.04.040 prohibits sky lanterns: a person shall not ignite, release, or cause to be released one. In City parks, § 12.08.060(a)(1) lists fireworks, firecrackers, rockets and explosives of any kind among the activities that require a permit from the community services director, alongside firearms, air guns and slingshots.
Violations & Fines
A violation of Title 17 is a misdemeanor under § 17.02.040, punishable as provided in Chapter 1.16, and each day a violation continues after due notice is a separate offense. Section 1.16.010 sets the misdemeanor penalty at a fine of not more than $1,000, up to six months in County Jail, or both, with an infraction charge available to the prosecutor and a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy or sell fireworks in Fountain Valley?
Are professional fireworks displays allowed in Fountain Valley?
Are sky lanterns treated like fireworks in Fountain Valley?
Who enforces the fireworks ban in Fountain Valley?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fountain Valley
How Fountain Valley compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·California rules heatmap·Compare Fountain Valley to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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