Earlier editions: 2026-07
Title 9 — Peace, Safety and Morals
Norco Municipal Code Ch. 9.20 Fireworks
Norco Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Norco
Cite as: Norco Municipal Code Chapter 9.20 · Text as of 2026-10-04
§ 9.20.010. Definitions.¶
“Aerial fireworks”
as used in this chapter include fireworks displays used in large outdoor areas; they require a larger safety distance and have a larger fallout zone. These fireworks propel high into the air and explode, creating large scale visual effects and louder auditory effects. Aerial fireworks require a 70-foot clearance per inch shell from the audience (example: a three-inch shell would require a minimum of 210 feet of clearance from the audience).
"Fireworks"
as used in this chapter shall mean any and all combustible materials devised, formulated, compounded, or designed to ignite or explode and to create a visible or audible effect for the amusement or entertainment of any person, persons, or the public. “Fireworks” shall not include the following:
| Flashlight composition used by photographers, dealers in photographic supplies or any person taking photographs; the discharge or firing of target pistols on a target range; the discharge of any guns or rifles in any gun club, at an outdoor target range; or toy pistol paper caps containing not more than twenty-five-one-hundredths grain explosive compound to each paper cap; or the discharge of any gun or rifle in the process of slaughtering livestock, or for humane purposes. |
|---|
| "Fireworks" as used in this chapter includes both "dangerous fireworks" and "safe and sane fireworks" as those terms are defined in Health and Safety Code Sections 12505 and 12529 . |
“Proximate fireworks”
as used in this chapter include fireworks utilized in indoor settings or limited outdoor areas; they are allowed to be at a closer distance and have little to no fallout. These fireworks are designed for controlled effects, meant to enhance the performance or event. Proximate fireworks require a 15-foot clearance from the audience.
(Ord. 32 Sec. 1, 1965; Ord. 783 Sec. 18, 2001; Ord. 890 Sec. 1, 2008; Ord. 1018 Sec. 1, 2017; Ord. 1133, 9/17/2025)
§ 9.20.020. Fireworks prohibited.¶
(A) All fireworks are prohibited from being sold, used, stored, discharged, possessed, or given away in any location within the City at all times.
(B) It is unlawful to violate any California statute governing the manufacture, transportation, distribution, use, or possession of fireworks.
(C) It is unlawful for any property owner or person in control of property to allow a person to sell, use, store, discharge, or possess fireworks on the property owned or controlled by such person.
(D) Notwithstanding the definition of “Responsible Person” in Section 1.05.020 of this Code, for purposes of this Chapter 9.20, “Responsible Person” also includes a minor who causes or maintains a violation of this Chapter 9.20.
(E) All aerial fireworks are prohibited.
(F) Notwithstanding the foregoing, proximate fireworks are permitted provided that the fireworks are handled and discharged in compliance with a Special Event Permit that has been issued by the City of Norco. Every person using, discharging, and/or possessing such proximate fireworks must maintain any license(s) required by the Fire Marshal for such purposes.
(Ord. 32 Sec. 2, 1965; Ord. 783 Sec. 19, 2001; Ord. 890 Sec. 1, 2008; Ord. 1018 Sec. 1, 2017; Ord. 1133, 9/17/2025)
§ 9.20.030. Administrative citation – Applicability.¶
Violations of Section 9.20.020 shall be addressed through the issuance of administrative citations and penalties pursuant to the procedures set forth in Chapter 1.05, or by any legal remedies, criminal or civil, which may be pursued by the City to address any violation of the municipal code or applicable State codes pertaining to fireworks. Use of the administrative citation procedure set forth in Chapter 1.05 regarding fireworks violations shall be at the discretion of the City.
(Ord. 890 Sec. 1, 2008; Ord. 1018 Sec. 1, 2017)
§ 9.20.040. Administrative citation – Issuance.¶
(A) Code enforcement officers, peace officers, or building officials shall be considered enforcement officers as defined in Section 1.05.020(B). The City Council or City Manager may designate additional enforcement officers.
(B) Whenever an enforcement officer determines that a violation of Section 9.20.020 has occurred, the enforcement officer shall have the authority to issue an administrative citation to any person responsible for the violation, for each violation found to have occurred.
(C) Notwithstanding the general penalty provisions outlined in Sections 1.04.010 and 1.05.030, administrative citations issued for violations of Section 9.20.020 shall carry penalties of $2,500 if the fireworks involved were "safe and sane" fireworks as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 12529.
(D) Notwithstanding the general penalty provisions outlined in Sections 1.04.010 and 1.05.030, administrative citations issued for violations of Section 9.20.020 shall carry penalties of $5,000 if the fireworks involved are not "safe and sane" fireworks as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 12529, including, but not limited to, fireworks that are "dangerous" within the meaning of California Health and Safety Code Section 12505.
(Ord. 890 Sec. 1, 2008; Ord. 1018 Sec. 1, 2017; Ord. 1124 Sec. 1, 2024)
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