National City Municipal Code Ch. 10.16 Fireworks

It is unlawful to discharge, fire, use, possess or store any or all types and manner of fireworks including firecrackers, bombs, rockets, torpedoes, Roman candles, or any other type or manner of fireworks or substances designed or intended for pyrotechnic displays, in the city.

(Ord. 1481 (part), 1975; Ord. 674 § 1, 1940)

It is unlawful to fire any pistol, cane, cannon or appliances using blank cartridges or caps containing chlorate of potash mixture used for amusement or celebration purposes in the city.

(Ord. 674 § 2, 1940)

The sale or exhibition for wholesale or retail within the city is unlawful and is prohibited and the sale, use or possession of gunpowder or explosives; also combination of chlorate of potash, and sulphur, or similar compounds, is prohibited for celebration or amusement purposes.

(Ord. 674 § 3, 1940)

The city council upon application of any person, may issue a permit for the public display of fireworks under the direct supervision of a person examined and approved by the fire marshal. All such display or displays of fireworks shall be of such character and so located, discharged or fired, as, in the opinion of the city council shall not be hazardous to surrounding property or endanger any person or persons.

(Ord. 674 § 4, 1940)

Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this chapter is guilty of an infraction and is punishable as prescribed in Section 1.20.010.

(Ord. 1621, 1978; Ord. 1358 § 2 (part), 1973: Ord. 674 § 5, 1940)

Religious ceremonies shall be exempt from regulation or permit processes except as hereinafter provided.

A. Use of firecrackers allowed in religious ceremonies. State Fire Marshal Regulations shall be complied with as follows:

1. Firecrackers shall not exceed fifty milligrams of pyrotechnic composition.

2. Firecrackers shall be purchased, used and discharged by a licensed (Restricted Commercial, as defined in Title 19 of the California Administrative Code) pyrotechnic operator.

3. The religious organization shall secure a fireworks display permit from the fire department by providing the following information to the chief:

a. Name of organization sponsoring display;

b. Date and time of display;

c. Diagram of grounds where display will be held and exact location of display itself;

d. Certificate of insurance in an amount equal to three hundred thousand dollars personal injury and property damage;

e. Pyrotechnic operator's name and license number;

f. Storage area for fireworks before and during display.

B. Irrespective of Section 10.16.010, prohibiting fireworks, firecrackers may be used in religious ceremonies, subject to the provisions of this section.

(Ord. 1828, 1984)