Seattle, WA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

The fireworks fees sit in Seattle Municipal Code § 22.602.045, Schedule B, titled Special Event Permits and labeled as effective January 1, 2025. Four fireworks lines appear in Table B. Ceremonial fireworks at special events (code 107 SE) carry no fee and no renewal. An outdoor use or display (7801.1) costs $1,805. A barge load or unload only (7801.3) costs $902. A display before a proximate audience (7802) costs $957. Every one of the paid lines is flagged with notes b and c, and the table header states that the fireworks note applies to all Schedule B permit fees.

Note c sets the filing rule. The written application goes to the fire code official at least 30 calendar days in advance of the display, and when the application is submitted the fire code official must be consulted about requirements for standby fire apparatus. That consultation happens at filing, so an organizer should arrive with the site, date and show scale ready to discuss, because the standby apparatus requirement is settled early rather than after the permit issues.

Note b adds the late fee. An application received by the Seattle Fire Department fewer than 30 calendar days before the event, not counting the event day, pays a late fee equal to 50 percent of the original permit fee on top of the permit fee and any applicable time charge. An application received three or fewer business days before the event is not guaranteed to be processed, and the permit can go unissued.

The base fee covers an initial site inspection, one reinspection if required, and related administrative time. Under § 22.602.045.D, any later inspection is billed as a time charge of actual labor costs plus administrative overhead for field inspection and review time exceeding one hour, with overtime included only when work outside 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday is required by the Seattle Fire Code or requested by the owner, responsible person or permit holder. Under subsection K, when the Fire Marshal decides standby fire personnel are essential for public safety, actual labor costs and applicable overhead are charged to the permit holder. Pyrotechnic shows with projected attendance of 250 or more can also need a flame effects permit (8205.3, $580), issued together with a 7801.1 or 7802 permit. The Seattle Fire Code itself is the 2021 International Fire Code with Seattle amendments (§ 22.600.020), administered and enforced by the Chief of the Fire Department.