Contra Costa County, CA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Ord. Code Ch. 44-2.004
- Safe & Sane fireworks
- Banned
- 1st violation fine
- $100
- Repeat fines
- $200 / $500
- Property owner liability
- Yes (44-2.008)
Summary
Contra Costa County Ordinance Code Chapter 44-2 (as amended by Ordinance 2021-19) and Section 5601.1.3 of the County Fire Code (Ord. 2025-14) prohibit the possession, manufacture, sale, offer for sale, use, and discharge of all fireworks in unincorporated areas, including state-classified 'safe and sane' fireworks. There is no carve-out for the Fourth of July.
44-2.004 Prohibition. No person shall possess, manufacture, sell, offer to sell, use, or discharge, any fireworks. (Ords. 2021-19 Section 2, 72-19 Section 1: prior code Section 3220; Ord. 684.)
Full Breakdown
Under County Ordinance Code Section 44-2.004 (Prohibition): 'No person shall possess, manufacture, sell, offer to sell, use, or discharge, any fireworks.' Section 44-2.002 defines 'fireworks' to include both 'dangerous fireworks' (Health & Safety Code Section 12505) and 'safe and sane fireworks' (Health & Safety Code Section 12529), but excludes 'exempt fireworks' (Section 12508) and party poppers/snap caps. Section 44-2.008 imposes liability on the 'responsible party', any owner, renter, lessee, or person controlling access to a residence or vessel, even if they are not present when the violation occurs. Section 14-8.008(d)(5) vests the Sheriff with infraction-citation authority for Chapter 44-2 violations.
Violations & Fines
Per the June 8, 2021 Board of Supervisors press release on Ordinance 2021-19, a violation carries a $100 fine for the first offense, $200 for a second within one year, and $500 for each additional violation within one year. Property owners are liable even when absent. Section 5601.1.3.3 of the adopted Fire Code also authorizes any Fire Official or peace officer to arrest violators as an infraction or administrative citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 'Safe and Sane' fireworks legal in unincorporated Contra Costa County?
Can I be fined if guests set off fireworks at my house while I'm out?
Are sparklers and party poppers allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Contra Costa County
How Contra Costa County compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·California rules heatmap·Compare Contra Costa County to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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