Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Port Townsend, WA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Consumer fireworks
Banned citywide
Public display permit fee
$250.00 annually
Violation
Misdemeanor
Enforced by
Police chief / fire chief

Summary

Port Townsend bans selling, discharging, or igniting any fireworks in the city, with only narrow permitted exceptions.

It shall be unlawful for any person to sell or offer to sell, or use, discharge, ignite or explode, any fireworks within the city; provided, that this prohibition shall not apply to: A. Duly authorized public displays as authorized by a state license granted pursuant to RCW 70.77.260(2)...

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 3364, passed May 18, 2026).

Full Breakdown

PTMC 9.06.020 makes it unlawful to sell, offer to sell, use, discharge, ignite, or explode any fireworks within city limits. The only exemptions are duly licensed public displays, approved religious or special-purpose uses, and entertainment-media special effects under state law. A public display still needs a city permit (annual fee $250.00) and a state pyrotechnician's license per PTMC 9.06.040. The city also adopts a long list of RCW 70.77 fireworks provisions by reference under PTMC 9.06.010.

Violations & Fines

Violating the fireworks chapter is a misdemeanor under PTMC 9.06.070, plus a possible daily civil penalty under Chapter 1.20 PTMC for permit-condition violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can residents set off fireworks at home in Port Townsend?
No. PTMC 9.06.020 bans using, discharging, or igniting any fireworks in the city, with no personal-use exemption.
Is a public fireworks show allowed?
Only with a city permit and state pyrotechnician license under PTMC 9.06.040, plus a $250.00 annual permit fee.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Port Townsend

All Port Townsend rules

How Port Townsend compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Port Townsend to another location·View the Washington fire regulations overview

Get notified when Fireworks in Port Townsend, WA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.