Stockton Municipal Code Chapter 8.92 permits only State Fire Marshal-classified 'safe and sane' fireworks, and only during a short window around July 4. All aerial, explosive, or 'dangerous' fireworks are banned year-round with escalating fines of $1,000 / $2,000 / $3,000 plus emergency response cost recovery.
SMC Chapter 8.92 (Fireworks) adopts California Health & Safety Code Division 11 (State Fireworks Law) definitions and authorizes the sale and use of 'safe and sane' fireworks bearing the California State Fire Marshal seal. Sales are limited to permitted nonprofit organizations selected through an annual lottery; for 2025 the sales window ran from noon on June 28 through 11 p.m. on July 4, with daily hours of 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on June 29 through July 4. Discharge of 'safe and sane' fireworks is permitted only on July 4 within the time and location restrictions specified in Chapter 8.92. Possession, sale, use, or discharge of 'dangerous fireworks' (aerial, exploding, sky rockets, M-80s, bottle rockets) is prohibited at all times throughout the City. Note that 'safe and sane' fireworks remain ILLEGAL in unincorporated San Joaquin County immediately outside Stockton city limits.
Per SMC Chapter 8.92 (amended by 2022 ordinance, City Council File 22-0546): $1,000 fine for the first offense, $2,000 for a second offense within one year, and $3,000 for each additional offense. Violators are also liable for emergency response costs. The 2022 amendment also added social-host liability for property owners who knowingly allow illegal fireworks on their property.
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