Rock Hill, SC Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

South Carolina's regulatory regime for fireworks is set by the SC Fireworks Act, Title 23 Chapter 35 of the SC Code. Section 23-35-50 makes most consumer-grade (Class C / 1.4G) fireworks legal for sale and use by persons 16 years of age or older. Section 23-35-130 prohibits the manufacture, storage, transportation, or possession of fireworks not approved by the State Fire Marshal, which by long-standing administrative interpretation excludes bottle rockets smaller than 3.5 inches and cherry-bomb / ground-salute style explosive devices. Section 23-35-175 expressly authorizes municipalities (and individual property owners) to designate Fireworks Prohibited Zones marked by 12-inch by 12-inch signs stating that fireworks are prohibited. Section 23-35-145 prohibits discharge within 600 feet of a church, hospital, or asylum without permission. Section 23-35-140 prohibits discharge from or onto any public street, highway, or property of another without permission. Rock Hill does not impose a blanket city-wide ban; instead, the City regulates fireworks through City Code Chapter 16 (Fire Prevention and Protection) and the 2018 IFC as adopted by the South Carolina Building Codes Council. IFC Chapter 56 (Explosives and Fireworks) and the SC modifications govern fireworks storage, retail sales, and public displays. The Rock Hill Fire Marshal issues operational permits under IFC 105.6 for fireworks retail sales (which also require a SC State Fire Marshal license) and for public / proximate-audience fireworks displays under IFC 5601.2. A public display also requires the operator to hold a SC Pyrotechnic Operator license and to file a notice with the SC State Fire Marshal at least 15 days in advance. Local noise rules in Rock Hill Code Chapter 20 (Offenses; Miscellaneous Provisions) may also limit discharge time-of-day; discharge after 11 p.m. that disturbs the peace of others is a separately enforceable noise violation.