HomeMy WebLinkAbout8.1 Report on Dublin’s Safe and Sane Fireworks Program
STAFF REPORT
CITY COUNCIL
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Agenda Item 8.1
DATE: January 13, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Colleen Tribby, City Manager
SUBJECT:
Report on Dublin’s Safe and Sane Fireworks Program
Prepared by: Jordan Foss, Senior Management Analyst
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City Council will receive a report on the City’s Safe and Sane Fireworks program,
including historical context, current practices, financial analysis, and enforcement. The report
also contains research on comparable cities, fire safety, and environmental and community
impacts.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Receive the report.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The City’s net cost to support the sale of Safe and Sane Fireworks in 2025 was $74,172 after
accounting for revenue and expenses associated with the program (Table 1). This includes
direct personnel expenses and operation support across multiple departments that provide
public safety, maintenance, permitting and inspection services, and general administration.
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Table 1. City Expenditures and Revenues
Expenditures Amount
Dublin Police Services $40,636
Fire Services $17,312
MCE Services $13,995
Other Costs (street sweeper, garbage bins, lost rental revenue) $5,220
Staff Time (City Clerk, Community Engagement, Community
Development, Finance, Parks & Community Services, and Public Works) $2,544
Total Expenditures $79,707
Revenues
Application & Inspection Fees $4,935
Forfeited Deposits $600
Total Revenues $5,535
Net City Cost $74,172
DESCRIPTION:
During Item 9 of the June 17, 2025 meeting, the City Council requested an informational report
on the City’s Safe and Sane Fireworks program, including the financial impact to the City on
the sale of fireworks. As part of this request, Staff researched past reports, current practices,
other factors such as fire safety and environmental and community impacts, and practices of
other neighboring cities.
Background
Since Dublin’s incorporation in 1982, the regulation of fireworks has been a recurring policy
issue shaped by public safety concerns, voter input, and evolving community expectations.
The sale and use of fireworks has been addressed through ordinances adopted by the City
Council, voter approved ballot measures, and operational policies intended to balance
community celebration with safety and regulatory compliance.
At the City Council Meeting on February 1, 1982, former Alameda County Fire Chief Philip
Phillips provided written recommendations regarding the regulation of fireworks within the
newly incorporated City of Dublin. Chief Phillips advised that fireworks be controlled locally to
reduce fire risk and ensure public safety. These recommendations laid the foundation for
subsequent City Council actions related to fireworks regulation, the most notable documented
in Table 2.
Table 2. Historical Timeline of Notable Actions
Date Action
February 1, 1982 The City Council received a report from Alameda County Fire Chief
Philip Phillips recommending that fireworks be controlled in Dublin.
April 5, 1982 The City Council unanimously adopted an Ordinance Regulating the
Sale and Use of Fireworks. (Ord. No. 10-82)
April 26, 1982 The ordinance was amended to prohibit the sale of fireworks to people
under the age of 18. (Ord. No. 12-82)
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July 29, 1982 The City Council approved a special election (Measure X) to consider
prohibiting the sale of Safe and Sane fireworks within the City Limits.
Note: Safe and Sane fireworks are fireworks approved by the Office of
the State Fire Marshal for sales and use within the State of California,
and as legally authorized by municipalities. (Reso. No. 33-82)
November 2, 1982 Voters defeated Measure X (56% opposed), allowing the continued
sale of Safe and Sane fireworks in Dublin.
1987 Dublin Municipal Code Chapter 5.24 was published, incorporating
various amendments to ordinances regulating the sale of Safe and
Sane fireworks.
July 21, 1987 The City Council directed Staff to prepare a special advisory election
on prohibiting the manufacture, sale and use of Safe and Sane
fireworks. (Reso. No. 14-88)
June 7, 1988 The advisory ballot measure to ban the sale of Safe and Sane
fireworks was narrowly defeated by 114 votes (3% margin).
September 18,
2001
The City Council received a report on firework activity and established
a committee to develop a plan to address fireworks-related issues the
following year. The committee comprised City staff and representatives
from non-profit organizations and fireworks manufacturers.
April 16, 2002 Upon recommendation by the Fireworks Committee, the City Council
approved the designation of four parks (Shannon Park, Dublin Sports
Grounds, Alamo Creek Park and Emerald Glen Park) for Safe and
Sane fireworks use from 10 AM to 10 PM on July 4 only.
Collectively, these actions established the framework for Dublin’s current Safe and Sane
fireworks program, which permits the sale of State-approved Safe and Sane fireworks while
restricting their use to specific locations, dates, and times. The policies adopted over time
reflect the City’s ongoing effort to manage fire risk, ensure public safety, and respond to
community input regarding fireworks use. The Dublin Municipal Code (DMC) Section 5.24
provides regulations for the sale of fireworks (Attachment 1).
Illegal fireworks are fireworks not classified as Safe and Sane and are banned by State law.
Typically, these fireworks are explosive and/or aerial in nature. It is a misdemeanor or felony to
possess or discharge these fireworks anywhere in the State of California unless permitted and
discharged by a State Licensed Pyrotechnician.
Program Overview
Current Policies and Practices
The sale of Safe and Sane fireworks is allowed with a permit in commercial areas of the City.
The total number of available permits is regulated by the DMC which allows one permit per
3,000 residents (less group quarters population). Up to 23 booths would be permitted based on
the current population. The DMC allows the use of a lottery system when the number of
applications exceeds the allowed number of permits. Fireworks sales are allowed with an
approved permit between the hours of 8 AM and 10 PM from noon on June 28 through noon
on July 5 annually.
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An organization can apply for a permit to operate a fireworks booth provided it meets the
following criteria:
Is a nonprofit with an active 501(c)(3) status or have a tax-exempt status;
Is based in Dublin continually for at least one year and has at least 20 Dublin resident
members;
Serves, in whole or in part, the Dublin community and its residents and pledges to
reinvest a portion of the proceeds from its sale of fireworks for the benefit of the Dublin
community and its residents; and
Has an active business license with the City at the time of application.
The Safe and Sane Fireworks Booth Permit application procedure is further described in
Dublin Municipal Code (DMC) Chapter 5.24 (Attachment 1).
The use of Safe and Sane fireworks is permitted at four parks within the City including Alamo
Creek Park, Dublin Sports Grounds, Emerald Glen Park, and Shannon Park from 10:00 AM to
10:00 PM on July 4 only. In addition to the designated areas, the City’s practice has been to
allow Safe and Sane Fireworks in residential neighborhoods with single family homes, as well
as commercial areas, with consent of the property owner, during the sales period only.
Dublin Police Services (DPS) Fireworks Activity
To provide for fireworks response and suppression police activity, DPS maintains a long-
standing fireworks suppression detail to augment regular patrol operations, which alone cannot
manage the volume of fireworks-related activity on the holiday.
The fireworks suppression detail is primarily staffed on overtime and supported by personnel
from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office. Assigned staff respond to fireworks complaints,
provide security at the four designated Dublin parks where Safe and Sane fireworks are
permitted, and proactively seek to identify individuals involved in illegal fireworks activity. In
2025, the suppression detail was staffed with 21 sworn personnel , in addition to standard
patrol staffing. Each year, DPS receives approximately 55 calls for service relating to fireworks
on July 4. These calls for service are related to illegal fireworks, public safety, noise issues,
and improper use of Safe and Sane fireworks.
In addition, since 2020, these suppression details have confiscated more than 1,600 pounds of
illegal fireworks. In 2020 alone, approximately 1,000 pounds of illegal fireworks were
confiscated, and most recently in 2025, 100 pounds were confiscated. Individuals selling illegal
fireworks are arrested, and individuals utilizing illegal fireworks can be issued citations. DPS
also responds to incidents and calls regarding fireworks.
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Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) Fireworks Activity
ACFD’s role in managing fireworks activity in Dublin includes inspection and regulation of the
fireworks sales booths, monitoring activity on July 4, and providing emergency response
services. The primary challenges ACFD experience s each year relate to code administration
and staffing, as the holiday takes place during fire season and coincides with the Alameda
County Fair. Additionally, two other cities in the County sell Safe and Sane fireworks and thus
require code administration services.
To address this, ACFD calls in additional resources on overtime to the extent possible. This
becomes more challenging when there are multiple, large, mutual-aid fires in the State. There
are also new enforcement challenges affecting fire code administration staff. This is the result
of groups not disclosing in advance other nonprofit groups they are partnering with, allowing
minors to work at or near the booths, unknown persons approaching booths offering to work,
and the need for referrals to code enforcement related to illegal signs.
Since 2020, there have been four fire incidents on July 4 in non-designated areas that required
ACFD intervention. In 2020, there were two vegetation fires, and one trash can fire as the
result of illegal or improper use and/or disposal of fireworks. In 2023, there was one tree fire
that was the result of illegal fireworks usage. There was no structural damage and no injuries
reported from these fires. In addition to these four fires in non-designated areas, there are
fireworks-related dumpster fires each year that ACFD extinguishes in the designated park
areas.
Nonprofit Organizations
The City does not collect information on how much each non-profit receives from the sale of
fireworks, nor is that information readily accessible. However, some of the organizations
shared with Staff that their net revenue has been declining in recent years. This is due in part
to higher costs to operate the booths, including rental space, generators, equipment, and
firework products. The revenue generated by the sale of fireworks appears to vary by location.
Anecdotal information from the nonprofits indicates that booths operating in high traffic areas
earn higher profits.
Some of the nonprofit organizations have reported difficulty finding enough volunteers to run
their booths. As a result, these organizations have partnered together on a booth to ensure
adequate volunteer support to run the booth. The City has not had to utilize the lottery system
to award booth permits in the last 10 years because the number of applications has not
exceeded the allowed number of permits. Fo r example, over the past six years, the City has
approved an average of 15 applications.
Some nonprofits also are finding it more difficult to find locations for fireworks booths. This is
likely due to several reasons including the development of previously vacant sites and
increased rent prices. Moreover, some property owners that currently allow booths have
shared with Staff that they are considering removing access in the coming years, further
reducing the number of locations available in the City.
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Fire Safety Environmental and Community Impacts
Fire risks remain the most significant concern on and around the July 4 holiday, particularly
due to Dublin’s geographic proximity to wildland areas and summer weather conditions such
as heat, low relative humidity, and wind, which heightens the risk of fast -moving vegetation or
structure fires in the city. Fireworks also create secondary impacts that affect community well -
being and the environment, including noise-related disruptions for veterans and other sensitive
populations, stress and harm to pets and wildlife, and light pollution. Attachment 2 summarizes
the primary fire safety, environmental, and impacts on our community associated with
fireworks in Dublin.
Comparative Cities Analysis
There are 10 cities in the Bay Area that allow for the sale of Safe and Sane Fireworks as
displayed in Table 3.
Table 3. Bay Area Cities Allowing the Sale of Safe and Sane Fireworks
City County
1. Dublin Alameda
2. Newark Alameda
3. Union City Alameda
4. Pacifica San Mateo
5. San Bruno San Mateo
6. Gilroy Santa Clara
7. Dixon Solano
8. Rio Vista Solano
9. Suisun City Solano
10. Cloverdale Sonoma
In Alameda County, Newark and Union City also allow the sale of Safe and Sane fireworks at
booths throughout their communities and have special fireworks suppression details through
their respective police departments to supplement patrol. The suppression details are
responsible for responding to fireworks related calls and to police illegal fireworks. Additionally,
both Newark and Union City contract with ACFD for additional fire suppression support during
the July 4 holiday. A comparative analysis between Dublin, Newark, and Union City can be
found in Table 4.
Table 4. 2025 Comparison of Alameda County Safe and Sane Fireworks Operations
City Population
Police
Suppression
Detail (2025)
Service
Calls
(2025)
Citations /
Arrests
(2025)
Fires
Reported
(2025)
Current
Booth
Permit
Fees
Special
Ordinances /
Notes
Dublin 70,544 +21
personnel 55
1 arrest;
officers
confiscated
100 pounds
of illegal
fireworks.
0
$168
application
fee; $167
inspection
fee
Fireworks
permitted in
designated
areas and
single-family
residential
areas.
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Newark 46,254 +18
personnel 90
2 arrests
(illegal
fireworks);
34 social
host
citations.
Not
specified. Not found.
Social host
ordinance
program;
fireworks
prohibited in
parks/streets.
Union
City 66,196 +28
personnel 105
77 citations
(improper
use/illegal
fireworks).
4 fireworks-
related fires
(ACFD
intervention).
Permit fee
is based on
percentage
of gross
revenues.
Fireworks
prohibited in
parks/streets -
must be on
private
property.
While Dublin’s fireworks management practices are similar to those of Newark and Union City,
there are several notable differences. In Newark, the City Council established a process where
the total number of firework booth permits would decrease through at trition, specifically when
an organization chooses not to renew their permit or no longer meets the city’s requirements.
Newark also includes illegal fireworks in its social host ordinance, essentially allowing for
police to cite the owner of the property where illegal fireworks are used. By contrast, Dublin’s
social host ordinance addresses only underage drinking.
In Union City, organizations selling fireworks are charged a permit fee based on a percentage
of the permittee’s (or its predecessor’s) gross revenues from the sale of fireworks. The
percentage is calculated using the City’s estimated reasonable cost of public services for
administering the permits (including staff time administering permits and related material, staff
time related to the regulation of the sales, use, and cleanup of fireworks in the City, etc.)
divided by the gross revenues derived from sale of fireworks in that year. Union City provides
this example: “The City’s costs for staff time related to the permits is $51,500. Gross revenues
derived from fireworks sales in the City is calculated at $1,000,000. The permit fee would be
5.15% of each permittee’s gross revenues.” In contrast, Dublin’s total fees are $335 per booth
(application fee and inspection fee together).
Potential Future Considerations
While this report is informational only, intended to keep the City Council apprised of current
practices, costs, and safety considerations that accompany Dublin’s continued allowance of
Safe and Sane fireworks, it raises some potential areas that the City might consider in the
future that will enhance safety and help recover the City’s expenses related to fireworks
management. These include:
Implement a new fee structure – a fee for fireworks booths could be structured to align
with the City’s costs, similar to what Union City has done.
Expand the City’s social host ordinance – Dublin’s current social host ordinance could
be expanded to be able to assign responsibility to property owners and assess fines
accordingly.
Cap the number of booths available – this would allow for current nonprofits to maintain
their sales booths while controlling the expansion of fireworks use in the community.
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STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
None.
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:
The City Council Agenda was posted.
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Dublin Municipal Code Chapter 5.24: Fireworks
2) Fire Safety, Environmental and Community Impacts Related to Fireworks in Dublin
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Chapter 5.24
FIREWORKS*
Sections:
5.24.010 Definitions.
5.24.020 Prohibitions.
5.24.030 Exceptions.
5.24.040 Public display—Permit required.
5.24.050 Number of permits limited.
5.24.060 Permit—Prerequisites for issuance.
5.24.070 Safe and sane fireworks—Permit procedure.
5.24.080 Operation of stand—Permittee only.
5.24.090 Fireworks stands—Requirements.
5.24.100 General requirements for permittees.
5.24.110 Temporary sales tax permit required.
5.24.120 Permit display required.
5.24.130 Seizure of fireworks.
5.24.140 Supplement to state statutes.
5.24.150 Violation—Penalty.
*Prior ordinance history: Alameda County Ord. 76-34.
5.24.010 Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter, the words and phrases “fireworks” and “safe and sane fireworks” shall have the respective
meanings ascribed to them in Sections 12500 et seq. of the Health and Safety Code of the state of California. (Ord. 18-12
§1 (part): Ord. 1-12 § 1 (part): Ord. 10 § 1, 1982)
5.24.020 Prohibitions.
A.The manufacture of fireworks is prohibited within the jurisdiction.
B.No person shall possess, sell, deliver, deal in, use, explode or fire, or cause to be used, exploded or fired, any form of
fireworks designated as “dangerous fireworks” by Section 12505 of the Health and Safety Code of the state of California.
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Attachment 1
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C. The possession, sale, delivery, dealing in, use, exploding or firing of any form of fireworks designated as “safe and
sane fireworks” by Section 12529 of the Health and Safety Code of the state of California is expressly permitted, except as
limited by this chapter. (Ord. 18-12 § 1 (part): Ord. 1-12 § 1 (part): Ord. 10 § 2, 1982)
5.24.030 Exceptions.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as prohibiting the use of torpedoes, flares, or fuses by railroads or other
transportation agencies for signal purposes of illumination; or the sale or use of blank cartridges for ceremonial purposes,
athletic, or sports events or military ceremonials or demonstrations; or the sale, discharge or display of fireworks by
permittees having a permit as hereinafter provided; or the use and display of fireworks of whatever nature by any person
engaged in the production of motion pictures, theatricals, or operas when such use and display is a necessary part of such
production; or the transportation of fireworks through the city in regular course, and in original packages or containers from
any point outside the city to any other point outside the city. (Ord. 18-12 § 1 (part): Ord. 1-12 § 1 (part): Ord. 10 § 3, 1982)
5.24.040 Public display—Permit required.
A. Any person desiring to hold a public display of fireworks within the city shall submit an application for permit to the
office of the city’s Fire Chief at least two (2) months prior to the event. In the event a permit is granted, sale, possession,
use and distribution of fireworks for such display shall be lawful for that purpose only. No permit granted hereunder shall be
transferable.
B. The Fire Chief shall have power to adopt reasonable rules and regulations for granting of permits for supervised public
displays of fireworks by a jurisdiction, fair association, amusement park or other organization for the use of fireworks by
artisans in pursuit of their trade. Every such use or display shall be handled by a competent operator approved by the Fire
Chief and shall be of such character and so located, discharged or fired as in the opinion of the Fire Chief shall not be
hazardous to persons or property.
C. The permittee shall furnish a bond or certificate of insurance in an amount deemed adequate by the Fire Chief for the
payment of all damages which may be caused to a person or persons or to any property by reason of the permitted display
and arising from any acts of the permittee, his agents, employees or subcontractors. By accepting a permit, permittee
agrees to indemnify and hold the city harmless from any such damages.
D. All fireworks that remain unfired after the display is concluded shall be immediately disposed of in an approved
manner for the particular type of fireworks remaining. (Ord. 18-12 § 1 (part): Ord. 1-12 § 1 (part): Ord. 2-99 §§ 3A, 3B; Ord.
2-89 § 1(a); Ord. 10 § 4, 1982)
5.24.050 Number of permits limited.
The maximum number of permits to sell safe and sane fireworks which may be issued pursuant to this chapter during any
one calendar year shall not exceed one (1) permit per each three thousand (3,000) residents of the city of Dublin. The
number of residents shall be based on population estimate data available from the California Department of Finance at the
time of the random drawing. The most recent estimate of total city population will be adjusted by subtracting the most
recent estimate of the group quarters population to equal the estimated household population. If the number of applications
received up to and including the last day for making applications pursuant to this chapter exceeds the number of permits to
be issued for the city, the Fire Chief shall immediately thereafter supervise an impartial drawing to determine an order of
priority for each application. (Ord. 18-12 § 1 (part): Ord. 1-12 § 1 (part): Ord. 5-96 § 1 (part); Ord. 10 § 5, 1982)
5.24.060 Permit—Prerequisites for issuance.
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A. No permit to sell safe and sane fireworks shall be issued to any person except nonprofit organizations with an active
501(c)(3) status or corporations which have obtained tax exempt status from the State Franchise Tax Board under Section
23701(b), (d), (f), (g), or (l) of the Revenue and Taxation Code. Only one (1) organization per ID number shall apply. Proof
shall be provided at application.
B. Each such organization must have its principal and permanent meeting place in the city limits and must maintain a
bona fide membership of at least twenty (20) Dublin resident members, and must have been organized and established
within the city for a minimum of one (1) year continually preceding the filing of the application for the permit.
C. Each such organization must have an active business license within the city of Dublin at the time of application.
D. Each such organization must serve, in whole or in part, the Dublin community and its residents and must pledge to
reinvest a portion of the proceeds from its sale of fireworks for the benefit of the Dublin community and its residents. (Ord.
18-12 § 1 (part): Ord. 1-12 § 1 (part): Ord. 10 § 6, 1982)
5.24.070 Safe and sane fireworks—Permit procedure.
A. Any nonprofit organization desiring to sell or to offer for sale safe and sane fireworks shall first make a written
application to the Fire Chief for a permit to sell fireworks at a fireworks stand.
B. Every application for a permit shall be accompanied by a fee in an amount as fixed by the City Council by resolution to
cover reasonable costs of investigation and administration. If the application is denied for any reason, one-half (1/2) of said
fee shall be refunded.
C. The application shall state the name of the applicant, the address of the organization, and its principal or permanent
meeting place.
D. The application shall state the date and time on which it is proposed that fireworks be sold, which in no event shall be
for a period of time not within twelve p.m. (12:00 p.m.) on June 28th to twelve p.m. (12:00 p.m.) on July 5th of each year;
however, no fireworks shall be sold after ten p.m. (10:00 p.m.) or before eight a.m. (8:00 a.m.) during these periods.
E. The application shall set forth the proposed location of the fireworks stand, including a map or plot plan of the lot or
premises on which the stand is to be located depicting the stand and other structures on the premises. Any such stand
must be located on private property located within commercially zoned districts, and must otherwise conform to zoning and
other applicable laws and regulations. The written permission of the owner of record or lessees must also accompany the
application.
F. Fireworks stands shall be located only in an area bearing a commercial zoning designation.
G. Each applicant shall post a deposit in the amount of two hundred dollars ($200) for the purposes set forth herein. If
the requirements of Section 5.24.100(E) are met by the dates and times set forth therein, the deposit shall be returned on
or before July 15th. If the requirements of Section 5.24.100(E) are not met by the times and dates set forth therein, the Fire
Chief shall order the cleanup and/or removal of the stand and the deposit will be forfeited in full. Each applicant shall pay
the required amount for the purposes of inspection services as outlined in the city’s current fee schedule.
H. Two (2) or more nonprofit organizations meeting the requirements of Section 5.24.060 may jointly apply for a permit to
sell fireworks at a fireworks stand. The application shall conform to all of the provisions of this section. (Ord. 2-18 § 1(E);
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Ord. 18-12 § 1 (part): Ord. 1-12 § 1 (part): Ord. 21-99 §§ 1, 3; Ord. 2-99 §§ 1, 3C; Ord. 4-97 § 1; Ord. 2-89 § 1 (b); Ord. 2-
88 § 1; Ord. 10 § 7, 1982)
5.24.080 Operation of stand—Permittee only.
A. No person other than the permittee shall operate the stand for which the permit is issued or share or otherwise
participate in the profits of the operation of such stand.
B. No person other than the individuals who are members of the permittee organization, or the parents, wives or
husbands or adult children of such members, shall sell or otherwise participate in the sale of fireworks at such stand.
C. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a permittee may receive assistance in operating the stand from, and share the profits
of the operation of the stand with, any nonprofit organization which meets the requirements of Section 5.24.060; provided,
that advance written notice is given to the Fire Chief no later than June 27th. (Ord. 18-12 § 1 (part): Ord. 1-12 § 1 (part):
Ord. 4-97 § 2; Ord. 10 § 8, 1982)
5.24.090 Fireworks stands—Requirements.
All retail sales of safe and sane fireworks shall be permitted only from within a temporary fireworks stand and sales from
any other building or structure is prohibited. Temporary stands shall be subject to the following provisions:
A. No fireworks stand shall be located within twenty-five (25) feet of any other building nor within one hundred (100) feet
of a gasoline pump;
B. Each stand in excess of twenty-four (24) feet in length must have at least two (2) exits; and each stand in excess of
forty (40) feet in length must have at least three (3) exits spaced approximately equidistant apart; providing, however, that
in no case shall the distance between exits exceed twenty-four (24) feet;
C. Permittee shall provide each stand with one (1) two-and-one-half (2 1/2) gallon water fire extinguisher suitable for
class A fires. The extinguishers shall be serviced and tagged by a licensed State Fire Marshal’s authorized technician
within the past year and be easily accessible for use in case of fire and approved as to type by the Fire Chief and
conforming to the provisions of this code. (Ord. 18-12 § 1 (part): Ord. 1-12 § 1 (part): Ord. 10 § 9, 1982)
5.24.100 General requirements for permittees.
A. All weeds and combustible material shall be cleared from the location of the stand including a distance of at least
twenty (20) feet surrounding the stand.
B. “No smoking” signs shall be prominently displayed on the fireworks stand.
C. The sale of fireworks shall not (1) be made to any person under the age of eighteen (18), (2) begin before twelve p.m.
(12:00 p.m.) on the twenty-eighth day of June of each year nor continue after twelve p.m. (12:00 p.m.) on the 5th of July
each year.
D. An information brochure concerning instructions as to the use of safe and sane fireworks and the hazards attendant
with their use by minors shall be furnished each purchaser by the permittee. No fireworks, or other explosives of any
nature, shall be discharged upon the premises or lot upon which a fireworks stand is located.
E. For any stands permitted to sell fireworks during any period from June 28th through July 5th, all unsold stock and
accompanying litter shall be removed from the location of the stand by five p.m. (5:00 p.m.) on the fifth day of July, and the
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fireworks stand shall be removed from the location no later than five p.m. (5:00 p.m.) on the eighth day of July. (Ord. 18-12
§ 1 (part): Ord. 1-12 § 1 (part): Ord. 21-99 §§ 2, 3; Ord. 2-99 § 2; Ord. 2-89 § 1 (c); Ord. 12 § 1, 1982; Ord. 10 § 10, 1982)
5.24.110 Temporary sales tax permit required.
Organizations licensed for the selling of fireworks are required to obtain a temporary sales tax permit from the Regional
Office of the State Board of Equalization. (Ord. 18-12 § 1 (part): Ord. 1-12 § 1 (part): Ord. 10 § 11, 1982)
5.24.120 Permit display required.
The permit to sell fireworks and temporary sales tax permit shall be displayed in a prominent place in the fireworks stand.
(Ord. 18-12 § 1 (part): Ord. 1-12 § 1 (part): Ord. 10 § 12, 1982)
5.24.130 Seizure of fireworks.
The Fire Chief shall have the authority to seize, take, remove, or cause to be removed at the expense of the owner all
stocks of fireworks offered or exposed for sale, stored, or held in violation of this chapter. (Ord. 18-12 § 1 (part): Ord. 1-12
§ 1 (part): Ord. 10 § 14, 1982)
5.24.140 Supplement to state statutes.
The provisions of this chapter shall supplement and be construed in harmony with the State Fireworks Law (Part 2,
Division 11 of the Health and Safety Code of the state of California) and other applicable provisions of the laws of the state
of California. (Ord. 18-12 § 1 (part): Ord. 1-12 § 1 (part): Ord. 10 § 13, 1982)
5.24.150 Violation—Penalty.
Persons violating this chapter shall be deemed guilty of an infraction, and, upon conviction, shall be punished as provided
in Section 36900(b) of the Government Code, or its successor statute. (Ord. 18-12 § 1 (part): Ord. 1-12 § 1 (part): Ord. 6-
02 § 1: Ord. 10 § 15, 1982)
The Dublin Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 5-25, passed July 15, 2025.
Disclaimer: The City Clerk’s office has the official version of the Dublin Municipal Code. Users should contact the
City Clerk’s office for ordinances passed subsequent to the ordinance cited above.
City Website: https://dublin.ca.gov/
City Telephone: (925) 833-6600
Codification services provided by General Code
9/25/25, 12:31 PM Chapter 5.24 FIREWORKS*
https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/Dublin/#!/Dublin05/Dublin0524.html#5.24 5/5206
Fire, Environmental and Community Concerns Related to Fireworks in Dublin
fireworks (July 2024–June 2025), with
Dublin’s proximity to wildland areas, dry slopes,
Attachment 2
207