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Delaware County, PA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Governing law
3 Pa.C.S. Chapter 11 (state)
Minimum age
18 to buy, possess, use
Distance rule
150 ft from building or vehicle
First-offense fine
Up to $500 (summary offense)
County role
None; municipalities may add limits

Summary

Pennsylvania state law, not Delaware County, governs consumer fireworks. Adults 18+ may use them, but never within 150 feet of a building or vehicle, on others' property without permission, from a vehicle or building, at people, or while impaired.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Delaware County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

A person may not intentionally use consumer fireworks: ... (5) Within 150 feet of a building or vehicle, whether or not the building or vehicle is owned by the user of the consumer fireworks.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Delaware County sets no countywide fireworks rule; 3 Pa.C.S. Chapter 11 (Act 43 of 2017, consolidated by Act 74 of 2022) controls statewide. Under 3 Pa.C.S. §1104, a person at least 18 may purchase, possess and use consumer fireworks, but may not use them within 150 feet of a building or vehicle, on public or private property without the owner's express permission, from or into a vehicle or building, aimed at a person, or while under the influence. Any of Delaware County's 49 municipalities (e.g., Upper Darby, Radnor, Media, Chester) may add stricter local rules and hour limits under §1106, and may ban use where the 150-foot rule cannot be met.

Violations & Fines

First offense using consumer fireworks in violation is a summary offense, fine up to $500; a subsequent offense within three years is a summary offense, fine up to $1,000 (3 Pa.C.S. §1114).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Delaware County ban fireworks?
The county sets no rule, but each of its 49 municipalities may restrict hours, require permits, or ban use where the 150-foot setback cannot be met, under 3 Pa.C.S. §1106.
Can I set them off in my own yard?
Only if you stay at least 150 feet from any building or vehicle and are not impaired. Many dense Delaware County lots cannot meet the 150-foot rule.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Delaware County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsOutdoor BurningSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingSome Restrictions

All Delaware County rules

How Delaware County compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Delaware County to another location·View the Pennsylvania fire regulations overview

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