Sheboygan, WI Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Section 50-698(a) is a flat ban: no person may sell, possess, use or discharge any fireworks within the city. Section 50-696 defines fireworks as anything manufactured, processed or packaged for exploding, emitting sparks or combustion, which does not have another common use. The definition excludes fuel or a lubricant, a firearm cartridge or shotgun shell, an emergency signal flare, a match, cigarette lighter, stove, furnace, candle, lantern or space heater, a model rocket engine, and tobacco products.

Two routes allow a display. The first is a fireworks display sponsored and specifically approved by the common council and conducted by or on behalf of the city. The second is a fireworks display permit issued by the fire chief at the fire chief's discretion, and only when the applicant meets the listed requirements. The application must be made no less than 45 days before the proposed display. The applicant must provide a certificate of liability insurance naming the City of Sheboygan and the property owner as certificate holder, for not less than $1,000,000.00 per person for personal injury and not less than $1,000,000.00 for property damage, issued by an insurer licensed in Wisconsin. A valid federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms license or permit held by the fireworks company must be submitted.

The application must describe the site and plan, including the property owner, sponsor, person in charge, fireworks company, storage dates and times, a site layout pursuant to NFPA 1123, and a color site map showing buildings, streets, trees and overhead utility lines within 500 yards of the discharge point. It must also list the number and type of fireworks in possession and to be discharged.

Each application comes with a permit fee of $150.00 and an agreement to pay the actual cost of public safety services as determined by the fire chief and the police chief, who give an estimate within 14 days of a complete application. Subsection (b) exempts certain lawful uses, such as explosives used under state department of commerce rules, manufacturing processes, educational classes, holders of a federal license or permit under 18 USC 841 to 848, and transport to a place where possession is authorized.