Westerville, OH Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- Discharge
- Banned all days
- State Opt-Out
- Per ORC 3743.45
- Novelties
- Sparklers allowed
- Penalty
- Up to 1,000 dollars
- Public Display
- Permit required
Summary
Westerville prohibits discharge of consumer fireworks within city limits under Codified Ordinance 1509.10, opting out of Ohio HB 172 state holiday allowances. Only 1.4G novelties like sparklers permitted.
Section 3743.45 | Purchase, use, and local regulation of consumer-grade fireworks.
(A) Any person who intends to obtain possession in this state of 1.4G fireworks purchased in this state shall obtain possession of the 1.4G fireworks only from a licensed retailer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed wholesaler and shall be subject to this section.
(B) Any person authorized under this section to possess 1.4G fireworks in this state may discharge, ignite, or explode those fireworks on private property, with authorization from the property owner, on the following days each year:
(1) The first day of January;
(2) Chinese new year's day;
(3) The fifth day of May;
(4) The last Monday in May, and the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding that day;
(5) The nineteenth day of June;
(6) The third, fourth, and fifth days of July;
(7) The first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before and after the fourth day of July;
(8) The first Monday of September, and the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding that day;
(9) Diwali;
(10) The thirty-first day of December.
(C) Fireworks discharged, ignited, or exploded pursuant to this section shall not be considered a public exhibition.
(D) A county, with respect to the unincorporated territory of the county, a township, with respect to the unincorporated territory of the township, or a municipal corporation may do either of the following:
(1) Restrict the dates and times a person may discharge, ignite, or explode fireworks purchased pursuant to this section.
(2) Ban the discharge, ignition, or explosion of fireworks purchased pursuant to this section. A resolution adopted by a board of township trustees under this division prevails over a conflicting resolution adopted under this division by the board of county commissioners in the county within which the township is located.
(E) This section does not limit the enforcement of any ordinance, resolution, or statute that regulates noise, disturbance of the peace, or disorderly conduct.
Full Breakdown
Ohio HB 172 (2022) legalized consumer 1.4G fireworks on designated state holidays, but ORC 3743.45 allows municipalities to opt out by local ordinance. Westerville City Council adopted an opt-out ordinance prohibiting discharge on all days including July 4 and New Year's Eve. Possession remains legal but discharge within city limits is banned. Licensed public displays require state fire marshal permit and Westerville Fire Division approval.
Violations & Fines
Discharge of consumer fireworks is a first-degree misdemeanor, up to 1,000 dollars fine and 180 days jail. Fire Division and Westerville Police conduct enforcement around July 4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set off fireworks in Westerville on July 4?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Westerville
How Westerville compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Westerville to another location·View the Ohio fire regulations overview
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Fireworks in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Franklin County handle fireworks.