All possession, sale, use, transport, and manufacture of fireworks is prohibited within San Antonio city limits and within 5,000 feet of those limits, per the adopted International Fire Code Section 5601.1.3 and Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2154.
San Antonio has adopted the International Fire Code (2024 edition effective May 1, 2025; previously 2018) under Code of Ordinances Chapter 11. IFC Section 5601.1.3 states: 'The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks are prohibited.' Section 5601.1.3.1 makes it unlawful for any person to have, keep, store, sell, offer for sale, give away, use, transport, or manufacture fireworks within the corporate limits, or to sell or offer for sale fireworks within an area extending 5,000 feet beyond the City limits. Limited exceptions exist for storage and handling under Section 5604, manufacture and testing under Section 5605, and licensed public fireworks displays under Section 5608, all of which require permits from the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD). The 5,000-foot extraterritorial sales restriction is authorized by Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2154 (Texas Fireworks Law) and Texas Health and Safety Code Sec. 352.953 for cities meeting the population threshold. Sparklers, fountains, Roman candles, bottle rockets, and all other consumer fireworks are illegal inside the city.
Violation is a Class C misdemeanor under city ordinance, punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 per offense. Reckless use causing fire damage may also be charged as arson under state law. SAFD and SAPD enforce the ban; fireworks may be confiscated.
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio noise ordinance quiet hours are 10 PMβ6 AM SunβThu and 11 PMβ6 AM FriβSat (City Code Ch. 21, Art. III). Residential cap 63 dB(A) day / 56 dB(A) n...
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio has no city ordinance regulating residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays. Property owners may install yard decorations year-r...
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio has no city ordinance specifically regulating inflatable holiday displays (giant Santas, snowmen, pumpkins). Inflatables are permitted on residen...
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio has no city ordinance specifying installation or removal dates, brightness limits, or amplified audio rules for residential holiday light display...
San Antonio, TX
Built-in outdoor kitchens in San Antonio require multiple permits through the Development Services Department: a Residential Improvements building permit, a ...
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio has no city ordinance specifically regulating backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Operation is governed by the general nuisance...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Bexar County.
See how other cities in Bexar County handle fireworks.
See how San Antonio's fireworks rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.