Sonoma, CA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

21 Fireworks, makes it unlawful for any person, except for authorized public displays and special effects, to possess, offer or expose for sale, sell at retail, give away or in any manner dispose of any fireworks, or to use, explode or otherwise discharge any fireworks, within the city of Sonoma. 010 by reference to Health and Safety Code Section 12511, and 'special effects' by reference to Health and Safety Code Section 12532, so the local ban tracks the state's own definitions rather than creating a separate local one.

A group wanting to put on a public fireworks display or use special effects, for example at a wedding, film shoot or civic celebration on Sonoma Plaza, must apply in writing to the fire chief at least 10 days before the proposed date. The fire chief considers and acts on the application, and any approval must comply with Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations, the state's own fireworks regulations. The fire chief retains authority to suspend or revoke any permit at any time, which matters directly in the Sonoma Valley given its exposure to wildfire during dry Sonoma County summers.

Because the ban covers possession and sale, not only discharge, bringing personal fireworks into city limits for later use, even 'safe and sane' fireworks legal to sell elsewhere in California, is itself a violation. The ordinance was adopted by Ordinance 07-2009 in 2009 and has not been amended since.