Paterson, NJ Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- Fireworks in parks
- Prohibited without authorization
- Authorizing agency
- DPW Division of Parks
- Max fine
- $1,250
- Max imprisonment
- 90 days
- Enforcement power
- Ejection, confiscation
Summary
Paterson's parks ordinance bars discharging or carrying fireworks, firecrackers, torpedoes, or firearms in any city park unless the Department of Public Works' Division of Parks authorizes it.
Except by authority of the Department of Public Works, Division of Parks, and subject to its rules and regulations, no person shall, in any public park in the city:
A. Discharge or carry any firearm, firecracker, torpedo or fireworks.
B. Make a fire.
C. Preach or make any harangue or oration or public address.
D. Play a musical instrument.
E. Play, engage or take part in any organized game or competitive sport unless such activity has been authorized by the Department of Public Works, Division of Parks.
F. Bathe in any water.
G. Move in a military or civic parade, drill or procession.
H. Offer or expose articles for sale.
I. Post or display any sign, placard, target, transparency, advertisement or any device of business.
J. Solicit business or alms.
K. Go upon turf areas when and where "Keep Off" signs or like signs are posted. No activity shall be permitted on turf areas which is deemed by the Superintendent of Parks to be injurious to the turf.
§ 363-3. Regulation of animals.
A. No quadrupeds shall be permitted to enter upon or remain in any of the public parks of the city except:
(1) Those placed in the park by the Division of Parks.[1] [1] Editor's Note: Former Subsection A(2), concerning dogs when controlled by a leash not more than six feet in length, which immediately followed this subsection, was repealed 9-8-1998 by Ord. No. 98-064. This ordinance was vetoed by the Mayor but overridden by vote of the Council on 9-22-1998.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4713536; v19 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 363's rules for public parks, at § 363-2, provide that except by authority of the Department of Public Works, Division of Parks, and subject to its rules and regulations, no person shall, in any public park in the city, 'discharge or carry any firearm, firecracker, torpedo or fireworks.' This is a parks-specific rule within Paterson's own code rather than a citywide fireworks ban; outside city parkland, New Jersey's state fireworks law (N.J.S.A. 21:3-1 et seq.) governs what consumer fireworks may be sold and used. Anyone wanting to use fireworks on parkland in Paterson needs prior authorization from the Division of Parks.
Violations & Fines
Discharging or carrying fireworks in a Paterson park without Division of Parks authorization violates § 363-2; Chapter 363 penalizes park violations with up to $1,250 in fines, up to 90 days' imprisonment, or community service, plus authority to eject violators and confiscate the fireworks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set off fireworks in a Paterson city park?
Does this ordinance cover fireworks everywhere in Paterson?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
How Paterson compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Paterson to another location·View the New Jersey fire regulations overview
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