Does Milwaukee County, WI have its own fireworks ordinance?

No. Milwaukee County, WI does not appear to have a local fireworks ordinance, Wisconsin state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from Wis. Stat. §167.10 - Regulation of Fireworks.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Milwaukee County

Milwaukee County, WI Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Primary authority: Wis. Stat. 167.10 + municipal ordinance
County role: Park/parkway rule only (Ord. 47.05)
Exempt items: Sparklers under 36 in, caps, poppers
Permit issuer: City mayor / village or town chair
Park penalty: Up to $100, 90 days default

Summary

Consumer fireworks in Wisconsin are governed by Wis. Stat. 167.10 and by each city, village, or town, not the county. Sparklers under 36 inches, caps, and poppers are exempt; aerial and exploding items need a local user's permit.

City-specific rules exist: Wauwatosa, and Milwaukee have their own fireworks rules that differ from Milwaukee County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

No person may possess or use fireworks without a user's permit from the mayor of the city, president of the village or chairperson of the town.

Source: Wis. Stat. §167.10 - Regulation of FireworksView official code

Full Breakdown

In Wisconsin, consumer fireworks are a state and municipal matter, not a county one. Wis. Stat. 167.10(1) excludes small novelties, including a sparkler on a wire or wood stick under 36 inches, caps, toy snakes, and confetti poppers. Under 167.10(3)(a) no person may possess or use fireworks without a user's permit from the mayor, village president, or town chair, and 167.10(5) lets a municipality enact stricter rules. So legality depends on your city, village, or town ordinance. Milwaukee County's role is limited to county-owned land: Ordinance 47.05(1) bars discharging any rocket, torpedo, or fireworks in a park or parkway without a Parks Department permit, and 47.05(2) limits sanctioned displays by day and hour.

Violations & Fines

On county parks, Ordinance 47.05(4) sets a forfeiture not to exceed $100 and up to 90 days in the county jail in default. Off county land, illegal-fireworks penalties are set by your city, village, or town under Wis. Stat. 167.10.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Milwaukee County set fireworks rules?

Only on county parks and parkways, where Ordinance 47.05 bans fireworks without a Parks permit. Elsewhere Wis. Stat. 167.10 and your city, village, or town ordinance control them.

Are sparklers legal in Wisconsin?

Yes. Wis. Stat. 167.10(1) excludes a sparkler on a wire or wood stick up to 36 inches, plus caps, toy snakes, and confetti poppers, so no permit is needed.

Do I need a permit for backyard fireworks?

For anything that explodes or shoots into the air, yes. Wis. Stat. 167.10(3)(a) requires a user's permit from your mayor, village president, or town chair.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Milwaukee County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome Restrictions Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSome Restrictions Outdoor BurningHeavy Restrictions Smoke DetectorsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesHeavy Restrictions Fence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions

All Milwaukee County rules

How Milwaukee County compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Milwaukee County to another location·View the Wisconsin fire regulations overview

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Fireworks in Cities Across Milwaukee County

Milwaukee, WI Wauwatosa, WI West Allis, WI