Nicholasville, KY Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Section 8-53 of the Nicholasville Code of Ordinances declares that the use or sale of fireworks, including consumer fireworks, is prohibited except as the article sets out. Section 8-55 then bars any person from using, igniting, firing or exploding fireworks or consumer fireworks defined in KRS 227.702(2) and (3), which Sec. 8-52 calls aerial or audible consumer fireworks. Only the consumer fireworks defined in KRS 227.702(1) are permitted, and Sec. 8-54 exempts that class from the prohibition on use or sale, although their sale stays regulated under the Fireworks Enforcement Code.

Anything beyond consumer fireworks, including display fireworks as defined in KRS 227.706, is prohibited at all times within the city without approval from the city. Under Sec. 8-56, a display needs the written approval of the fire chief or his or her designee plus all other necessary permits, and the applicant can be required to reimburse the city for reasonable costs, including overtime for government personnel.

Selling the permitted class takes a permit. A seasonal fireworks retailer sells only between June 10 and July 7 and between December 26 and December 31 of each year. A permanent fireworks retailer is open to the public year round and at least 20 calendar days per month. Under Sec. 8-57, both apply to the Nicholasville Fire Department for a retail fireworks permit at least ten days before the desired effective date, with a separate application and permit for each location. They must also show proof of registration with the State Fire Marshal, a planning and zoning office signature confirming the location is zoned appropriately, a site sketch showing distances between buildings, dimensions of the structure and emergency exits, a signature from the Jessamine County Tax Administrator's office confirming registration under Chapter 27, and general liability insurance of not less than $1,000,000.00 per occurrence.

Seasonal permit fees are $300.00 for up to 144 sq. ft., $500.00 for 145 to 400 sq. ft., $750.00 for 401 to 1,000 sq. ft., and $1,000.00 above 1,000 sq. ft. A permanent retailer pays $1,200.00 per location, or $600.00 on renewal, and the permit expires 365 calendar days after the effective date. Sales are limited to 8:00 a.m. through 10:00 p.m., and no one under eighteen may sell fireworks or be sold them. Section 8-58 requires the permit and the State Fire Marshal registration certificate to be displayed at each location during all hours of operation. Section 8-59 sets a lighter set of duties for ancillary fireworks retailers, whose fireworks sales are ancillary to their primary course of business.