Pennsylvania Act 43 of 2017 legalized consumer-grade (1.4G) fireworks statewide for adults 18+. Harrisburg uses its home rule authority and the 150-foot rule under Act 43 to effectively prohibit discharge in nearly all of the city's dense urban areas. City Code Ch. 3-309 limits permissible hours and bans fireworks on public property entirely.
Fireworks in Harrisburg are governed by the Pennsylvania Fireworks Law (Act 43 of 2017, 72 P.S. §9401 et seq.) overlaid with Harrisburg City Code Chapter 3-309. Under Act 43, Pennsylvania residents 18 and older may purchase and discharge "consumer-grade" 1.4G fireworks (including aerial repeaters and Roman candles previously banned). However, Act 43 prohibits discharge within 150 feet of an occupied structure (residence, office, business) without the express written permission of the structure's owner. Because Harrisburg's neighborhoods are predominantly dense rowhouse and apartment housing where almost no parcel has 150 feet of clear setback, the practical effect is that consumer fireworks are unlawful to discharge on most private property in the city.
The City reinforces this with Code §3-309, which categorically prohibits discharging any consumer or display fireworks on city streets, sidewalks, alleys, parks, school grounds, or other public property, and limits permitted hours to 10:00 AM through 10:00 PM with an extension to 1:00 AM on the evenings of July 2, 3, 4 and December 31. Display ("1.3G") fireworks for civic events and Kipona require a state permit from the PA State Fire Commissioner plus a city special-events permit and proof of liability insurance.
The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire and the Bureau of Police share enforcement. The 12% state fireworks tax (in addition to 6% sales tax) is collected at the point of sale by Pennsylvania-licensed retailers.
Discharge within 150 ft of an occupied structure without permission: summary offense under PA Act 43, up to $100 plus court costs. Discharge on public property in Harrisburg: summary offense under §3-309, $300–$1,000 per occurrence and confiscation of devices. Unpermitted display fireworks: misdemeanor referral and up to $5,000 in administrative penalties under state law.
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