Redwood City, CA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Article III of Chapter 12 regulates fireworks using the definitions in the California Health and Safety Code, commencing at Section 12500, incorporating "dangerous fireworks" as defined in Section 12505 and "safe and sane fireworks" as defined in Section 12529. 32 makes it unlawful for anyone to ignite, use, discharge or display dangerous fireworks in the City without a permit issued by the Fire Chief or their designee under Health and Safety Code Section 12640. 33 goes further for the category most people associate with legal home fireworks elsewhere in California: it bars anyone from igniting, using, discharging or displaying even "safe and sane" fireworks anywhere in Redwood City, with no permit option at all.

34 layers strict liability on top of the ban. Anyone with care, custody or control of a minor is strictly liable if that minor unlawfully ignites or discharges fireworks, and any "social host," defined broadly to include a property owner, a tenant with the right to occupy the property, or anyone who organizes or accepts responsibility for a gathering, is strictly liable for unlawful fireworks at that property or gathering. Landlords who were not present, had no prior knowledge of a violation, and had rented the property to someone else are exempted, as are residents of a multifamily unit for violations in common areas.

25 violations by City Council Resolution No. 15657, and separately makes aiding, abetting or concealing a fireworks violation its own violation. 36 confirms the Article supplements, and where allowed by law supersedes, any conflicting Fire Code or Building Code fireworks provision, and is not the City's exclusive fireworks authority.