Livermore, CA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- LMC Sec. 9.40.020
- Scope
- All fireworks banned, including "safe and sane"
- Max fine
- $500.00 (Sec. 9.40.070)
- Enforcement
- Police/Fire may seize and destroy at owner's expense
- Host liability
- Strict liability, Sec. 9.40.060
Summary
Livermore Municipal Code Chapter 9.40 bans giving away, selling, possessing, using or discharging any fireworks, including state-classified safe-and-sane fireworks, within the City, and holds a property host strictly liable for violations occurring at a gathering on their land.
§ 9.40.020. Sale, possession or use prohibited. It is unlawful for any person to give away, sell, offer for sale, solicit the sale of, possess, purchase, use, ignite, explode, fire, or otherwise discharge any fireworks within the City. ... § 9.40.060. Host liability. B. A host is strictly liable for any violation of LMC § 9.40.020 that occurs during a gathering on property that the host owns, possesses, or controls, or in the public right-of-way immediately adjacent to the parcel of property that the host owns, possesses, or controls.
Full Breakdown
020 of the Livermore Municipal Code flatly prohibits any person from giving away, selling, offering for sale, soliciting the sale of, possessing, purchasing, using, igniting, exploding, firing or otherwise discharging any fireworks within the City, a ban that covers even 'safe and sane' fireworks that the State Fire Marshal permits some California cities to allow under Health and Safety Code Sections 12561 and 12562. 030 carves out narrow exceptions: a public display by the City at an approved site, a permitted display for television, film, theater or movie production secured through the city fire chief and City Council, railroad or transportation signal flares, and blank cartridges used for theatrical, athletic or military ceremonial purposes.
040 states the chapter supplements, rather than supersedes, the state fireworks law in Health and Safety Code Division 11, Part 2. 050 authorizes the Livermore Police Department or Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department to seize and destroy fireworks found in violation, at the owner's expense. 060, added by Ordinance 2046 in 2023, makes a property host strictly liable for a fireworks violation occurring during a gathering on land the host owns, possesses or controls, or on the adjacent public right-of-way, regardless of who caused it, unless the host is the one who first contacts law enforcement or fire officials to stop the activity. 20 LMC covering fines and staff enforcement cost recovery, most recently amended by Ordinance 2151 in 2023.
Violations & Fines
Violating Section 9.40.020 is a misdemeanor under Section 9.40.070, punishable by a fine of up to $500.00. The City may instead pursue administrative penalties under Chapter 1.20 LMC, including cost recovery for staff time. A host who allows fireworks use on property they own, possess or control is strictly liable under Section 9.40.060 regardless of who set them off, unless the host was the first to call police or fire officials to stop the activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are safe-and-sane fireworks legal in Livermore?
What is the penalty for setting off fireworks in Livermore?
Can a homeowner be liable if a guest sets off fireworks at their party in Livermore?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Livermore
How Livermore compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·California rules heatmap·Compare Livermore to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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Fireworks in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle fireworks.