Westminster, CA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- WMC Chapter 9.66
- Max annual stand permits
- 15 citywide
- Eligible operators
- 501(c) nonprofits based in Westminster
- Application window
- March 1 to March 31
- Sale hours (July 4)
- 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sale cutoff
- 9:00 p.m. July 4th
- Refundable deposit
- $200 per stand
Summary
Only 501(c) nonprofits based in Westminster may run one of the city's capped 15 annual temporary fireworks stands, selling only State Fire Marshal-sealed 'safe and sane' fireworks between June 30 and 9 p.m. July 4th, per Chapter 9.66.
§ 9.66.080. Safe and sane fireworks. Except as expressly permitted and pursuant to the requirements of this chapter, it shall be unlawful to possess, sell, use, display or discharge, within the city, those fireworks not bearing the seal of the State Fire Marshal and that are defined and classified as "safe and sane fireworks" as prescribed in Section 12529 of the California Health and Safety Code and relevant sections of Title 19, Code of Regulations ("fireworks"). (Ord. 2470 § 1, 2011)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4982734; v10 updated 2026-06-10).
Full Breakdown
66 (Ordinance 2470, 2011) restricts fireworks sales to temporary stands operated under permit. 020 limits eligibility to nonprofit tax-exempt organizations qualified under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c), located within Westminster and primarily benefiting Westminster residents; each must work with the Orange County Fire Authority to ensure safe operation. 060 caps the city at a maximum of fifteen temporary stand permits per calendar year, one per organization and one per permittee. 140(B). 080 bans possessing, selling, using, displaying, or discharging any fireworks not bearing the State Fire Marshal seal and classified as 'safe and sane' under California Health and Safety Code Section 12529; anything else is unlawful citywide.
on July 4 until the following year. 220 authorizes the city manager, designee, or law enforcement to seize and dispose of any fireworks held in violation of the chapter or state law, or constituting a fire nuisance, and bills the owner or possessor for the seizure, removal, storage, and disposal costs. 210.
Violations & Fines
Possessing, selling, using, displaying, or discharging fireworks that are not State Fire Marshal-sealed 'safe and sane' fireworks, or selling outside the permitted dates and hours, is unlawful under Section 9.66.080 and 9.66.090. Violating temporary stand permit conditions can trigger revocation and denial of future permits (Section 9.66.120), and illegal fireworks may be seized with the owner billed for seizure, storage, and disposal costs (Section 9.66.220).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can run a fireworks stand in Westminster?
When can fireworks legally be sold in Westminster?
What kind of fireworks are legal in Westminster?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Westminster
How Westminster compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·California rules heatmap·Compare Westminster to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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Fireworks in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle fireworks.