Knoxville, TN Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- Consumer fireworks
- Possession and use banned citywide
- Permitted activity
- Bonded display or handling only
- Fireworks permit fee
- $50.00
- Bond required
- Before any pyrotechnics permit issues
Summary
Knoxville bans possessing, manufacturing, storing, selling, or using fireworks within city limits unless the fire prevention bureau issues a bonded display or handling permit.
It shall be unlawful for any person to possess, manufacture, store, handle, sell, or use fireworks within the city except as otherwise authorized in subsection (c).(c)The fire prevention bureau may issue permits authorizing the manufacture, storage, handling or supervised display of fireworks in accordance with applicable state laws and fire codes. Prior to the issuance of a permit, an applicant must file a bond in accordance with the requirements set forth in section 11-2. No permit granted hereunder shall be transferable. (Ord. No. O-100-2011, § 1, 6-28-11)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 80).
Full Breakdown
City Code makes it unlawful to possess, manufacture, store, handle, sell, or use 1.4G or 1.3G classified fireworks anywhere in Knoxville, with narrow exclusions for items like blank cartridges, model rockets, and licensed pyrotechnic training. The fire prevention bureau can issue permits for manufacture, storage, handling, or supervised display, but only after the applicant files a bond or insurance certificate covering the pyrotechnics. Permits are non-transferable. A $50.00 fireworks permit fee applies under the city's fee schedule, and any violation is punishable under the code's general penalty section.
Violations & Fines
Possessing, selling, or setting off consumer fireworks anywhere in city limits without a bureau permit is a misdemeanor punishable under the code's general penalty provision, § 1-9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fireworks legal in Knoxville, Tennessee?
What fireworks are exempt from Knoxville's ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Knoxville
How Knoxville compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Knoxville to another location·View the Tennessee fire regulations overview
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