Howell, NJ Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Section 188-64.1 of the Howell Township Code, added by Ord. No. 25-10 on 3-18-2025, creates a permit for small-scale farm-related special events: private weddings, birthday parties, anniversary parties and other lifetime milestone events on a qualified farm (QFARM). Subsection G(12) shuts the door on fireworks at every one of those events. The Code of the Township of Howell uses the word fireworks in this one provision.

Who can host: a non-preserved property that maintains QFARM designation can host up to and including 50 guests, and a preserved farm over 20 acres in size can host up to and including 80 guests. Anything larger is a farm-related special event (large scale) with its own review. No event can go forward without written approval from the Land Use Department within the Department of Community Development, and the land use certificate application must be filed at least 10 business days in advance, with fees under § 139-31A(1) and (2).

The fireworks ban sits beside other conditions that shape an evening event. Hours are limited to 10:00 a.m. through 10:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday. Sound at an adjoining residential property line cannot exceed the Chapter 208 limits and cannot be produced earlier than 10:00 a.m. or later than 10:00 p.m. Outside approvals are required from the Monmouth County Board of Health, the Howell Township Fire Bureau and the Howell Township Building Department, as needed. Tents sit outside the required front yard setback with a fifty-foot setback to all other property lines. Under Subsection H(8), the Township of Howell can revoke a permit when an event produces a lighting, noise, crowd or traffic nuisance or includes activities the Township has not approved.

What falls outside the permit: Subsection I(1) says noncommercial activities such as a private party or family or employee celebration on private property are not farm-related special events, and Subsection J bars expos, carnivals and fairs with electronic rides. Neighbors with complaints go to the Farmer's Advisory Committee, which hears the matter within 30 days and reports to the Township Council monthly. That mediation is nonbinding.