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San Francisco, CA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing law
Police Code § 1290
Personal fireworks
Banned citywide, no exceptions
Public displays
Fire Marshal + Police Chief consent required
Scope
Applies city and county-wide

Summary

San Francisco bans firing or discharging any fireworks anywhere in the city and county, with public displays allowed only by joint written consent of the Fire Marshal and Chief of Police.

No person or persons, firm, company, corporation or association shall fire or discharge any fireworks of any kind or description within the limits of the City and County of San Francisco. Provided, however, that public displays of fireworks may be given with the joint written consent of the Fire Marshal and the Chief of Police.

Source: SF Fire DepartmentView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-96: Codes: last updated to include changes made by legislation through Ordinance 133-26, File No. 260686, approved July 23, 2026, effective August 23, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Police Code Section 1290 makes it unlawful for any person, firm, company, corporation or association to fire or discharge fireworks of any kind within San Francisco's limits. The only exception is a public display given with the joint written consent of both the Fire Marshal and the Chief of Police: there is no personal-use or consumer-fireworks carve-out anywhere in the city and county.

Violations & Fines

Discharging fireworks without the required joint Fire Marshal/Police Chief consent violates Section 1290; enforcement falls to SFPD and the Fire Department, who may seize fireworks and cite violators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set off consumer fireworks in San Francisco?
No. Section 1290 bans firing or discharging any fireworks anywhere in the city and county, with no exception for personal or novelty fireworks.
Are any fireworks displays allowed?
Only public displays approved in writing by both the Fire Marshal and the Chief of Police are permitted; there is no other exception.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Francisco

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsSmoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsOutdoor BurningSome RestrictionsWildfire ZonesSome RestrictionsBrush ClearanceSignificant RestrictionsPropane StorageSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All San Francisco rules

How San Francisco compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·California rules heatmap·Compare San Francisco to another location·View the California fire regulations overview

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