Janesville, WI Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Sec. 16-217 makes it unlawful to possess, purchase, attempt to purchase, store, handle, use, expose or offer for sale, sell, display, discharge, ignite or explode any firework, firework device, firecracker or other volatile item the State of Wisconsin or its administrative agencies prohibit, except as this article separately allows. Sec. 16-216 folds every state fireworks statute and administrative code provision into city law and defines items such as snakes, sparklers on sticks up to 36 inches, and small confetti or fountain devices as regulated 'consumer fireworks.' Sec.

16-219 lets the City Manager or a designee issue a nontransferable fireworks display permit for public pyrotechnic shows, requiring an application at least 30 days ahead, a written indemnification of the City, at least $1,000,000.00 in liability insurance naming the City as co-insured, pyrotechnic operators at least 21 years old with demonstrated experience, and a site plan with launch-area separation distances; a display permit runs up to six consecutive days or up to 34 non-consecutive days at six minutes each. Sec. 16-220 separately requires a nontransferable firework stand permit, capped at 30 days, before anyone may erect or sell from a consumer fireworks stand, unless retail floor space devoted to fireworks stays under 25 percent of the sales floor or 600 square feet, whichever is less.

Sec. 16-224 sets the penalty for any violation of the article at a forfeiture of $200.00 to $2,000.00 per offense plus prosecution costs, with each day of continued possession, storage, sale or discharge a separate offense.