Kankakee County, IL Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Chapter 42's fireworks provisions, carried over from a 1963 county resolution, require every public fireworks display to be handled by a competent person designated by local authorities who holds a license as a lead pyrotechnic operator, and every display must be located, discharged, and fired so it does not endanger people or property. Sec. 00 permit fee per the chapter 18 fee schedule, though nonprofit organizations pay nothing. Any group of three or more individuals can apply for a permit. Once granted, the display is lawful only to the extent the permit allows, and the permit cannot be transferred to another person or group; the county, county board, and their agents are held harmless from any liability arising from a permitted display.

The ordinance works alongside the county's separate noise pollution rule, which specifically lists authorized fireworks displays as an exception to the county's general noise restrictions, so a properly permitted display will not also draw a noise complaint. Because the ordinance predates Illinois's later fireworks statutes, it operates alongside the state Pyrotechnic Use Act, which separately regulates sale and possession of consumer fireworks, but chapter 42 itself addresses only public displays, not personal use.