Upper Darby, PA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum age
- 18 to buy or use consumer fireworks
- Distance limit
- 150 feet from occupied structures
- Curfew
- Two hours after sunset
- Display permit lead time
- 30 days written application
- Consumer-use penalty
- Up to $100 fine, summary offense
Summary
Upper Darby follows Pennsylvania's fireworks law in Chapter 303: adults 18 and older can buy and use consumer fireworks, but not on Township streets, sidewalks or parks, and not within 150 feet of an occupied structure or later than two hours after sunset. Display fireworks require a Township Council permit filed 30 days in advance.
B. Prohibitions. A person may not intentionally ignite or discharge: (1) Consumer fireworks on Township streets, sidewalks, parks, or other Township-owned property. (2) Consumer fireworks on private property without the express permission of the owner. ... (6) Consumer fireworks within 150 feet of an occupied structure. C. Time restriction. No consumer fireworks shall be ignited or discharged two hours or later after sunset, as determined by the National Weather Service.
Full Breakdown
Adopted in 2021 by Ordinance No. 3100, Chapter 303 regulates fireworks under Pennsylvania's Fireworks Law framework. Anyone at least 18 may purchase, possess and use "consumer fireworks" defined by the American Pyrotechnics Association standard APA 87-1, but Section 303-3B bars igniting or discharging them on Township streets, sidewalks, parks or other Township-owned property, on private property without the owner's permission, from or at a moving vehicle or building, at another person, or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Consumer fireworks may not be set off within 150 feet of an occupied structure, and Section 303-3C cuts off use two hours after sunset as determined by the National Weather Service.
Anyone selling or storing consumer fireworks in the Township must first show proof of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture license state law requires (Section 303-3D). "Display fireworks," the larger professional-grade class defined in Section 303-2 (salutes over 130 milligrams, aerial shells over 60 grams, and other UN-classified explosives), require a Township Council permit applied for in writing at least 30 days ahead with the permit fee, cannot be ignited within 300 feet of a licensed consumer-fireworks retailer, and must be handled by a competent operator approved after inspection by the Police Chief, Fire Chief or Fire Marshal. Commercial display operators must also show proof of registration with the Pennsylvania Attorney General.
Violations & Fines
Igniting or discharging consumer fireworks unlawfully is a summary offense carrying up to a $100 fine plus prosecution costs and attorney's fees (Section 303-5A). Selling consumer fireworks in violation of the chapter is a second-degree misdemeanor, and selling display fireworks without authorization is a third-degree felony (Section 303-5B, D). Police may seize illegally stored stock at the owner's expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set off fireworks in my Upper Darby backyard?
Do I need a permit for a backyard fireworks show?
What's the penalty for illegal fireworks use in Upper Darby?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Upper Darby
How Upper Darby compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Upper Darby to another location·View the Pennsylvania fire regulations overview
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