All fireworks are banned in unincorporated San Diego County. The County Consolidated Fire Code prohibits the possession, manufacture, sale, storage, use, and display of fireworks, with no 'safe and sane' exception. Only permitted public displays are allowed. Violations are misdemeanors under California's State Fireworks Law.
Unincorporated San Diego County has a comprehensive fireworks ban. The County's Consolidated Fire Code, Sec. 96.1.3308.1.1 (Scope), provides that 'The possession, manufacture, sale, storage, use and display of fireworks are prohibited in the unincorporated area of the County except as provided in County Code sections 32.101 et seq.' Unlike some California cities, the County does not allow 'safe and sane' fireworks (those bearing the State Fire Marshal seal) for consumer use, so sparklers, fountains, firecrackers, bottle rockets, and aerial shells are all illegal. The only lawful fireworks are professionally operated public displays, which require a permit from the Sheriff (the Issuing Officer) under Sec. 96.1.3308.1 and California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Chapter 6. The ban is reinforced by California's State Fireworks Law (Health & Safety Code sections 12500 et seq.), which makes possession or use of 'dangerous fireworks' a misdemeanor. Much of the unincorporated County is a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, and CAL FIRE/USFS lands prohibit fireworks year-round. The Sheriff is responsible for enforcing California Fire Code Chapter 33 (explosives and fireworks) in the unincorporated area.
Possession or use of dangerous fireworks is a misdemeanor under California Health & Safety Code section 12700. For a gross weight under 25 pounds, the fine is $1,000 to $2,000 and/or up to one year in county jail; larger quantities carry escalating fines and potential state prison. Fireworks may also be seized, and a Fire Code violation is independently a misdemeanor with each day a separate offense.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
San Diego County, CA
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San Diego County, CA
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