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CITIES' CODE PROVISIONS REGULATING FIREWORKS
KING COUNTY
Burien Sale of fireworks prohibited
5.30.020
Covington No restrictions on who may sell
15.15.080
Des Moines Sale of fireworks generally prohibited
9.42.030
Kent No restrictions on who may sell
13.05.020
Maple Valley No restrictions on who may sell
8.10.040
Mercer Island No restrictions on who may sell
8.35.010
North Bend Permits shall be issued only to:
8.20.050 Corporations or associations, organized and existing primarily
for veteran, patriotic, religious, charitable or civic benefit
purposes; and which corporations or associations have their
principal meeting place within the city and which have been
organized and established in the city for a period of at least one
year prior to the date application is made for a license under this
chapter.
Renton Sale of fireworks generally prohibited
4-5-070(c)(83)
Snoqualmie No restrictions on who may sell
8.30.030
Tukwila Sale of fireworks prohibited
8.12.010
PIERCE COUNTY
Bonney Lake No restrictions on who may sell
5.14.110
Non-profits are exempt from the business license application and
fee requirement
Fife No restrictions on who may sell
8.12.010
In total, may not exceed 1 permit for every 1500 residents
Gig Harbor No restrictions on who may sell
8.20.070
In total, may not exceed I permit for every 500 residents
Page 1 of 8
Lakewood No restrictions on who may sell
8.68.030
Milton No restrictions on who may sell
8.04
In total, 4 licenses may issue in any given year
Ruston Sale of fireworks generally prohibited
9.06.020
Sumner No restrictions on who may sell
8.08
In total, may not exceed 1 permit for every 3000 residents
Tacoma Sale of fireworks generally prohibited
3.12.010
Puyallup No restrictions on who may sell
16.20.110
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AUBURN CITY CODE - Fireworks (current)
Chapter 8.24
FIREWORKS
Sections:
8.24.010 RCW adopted - Copies filed and authenticated.
8.24.020 Restriction on times for sale and discharge of fireworks.
8.24.030 Restrictions and permits.
8.24.040 Public display of fireworks.
8.24.050 Violation - Penalty.
8.24.060 Severability.
8.24. 010 RCW adopted - Copies filed and authenticated.
Except as otherwise provided herein, Chapter 70.77 RCW, State Fireworks Law,
is hereby adopted by reference, including all future amendments or additions thereto, and
under the provisions of RCW 35A.12.140, the sections codified in this chapter shall be
published as required by law, but the specified Chapter 70.77 RCW adopted by reference
need not be published but shall be authenticated and recorded with the Auburn city clerk,
and not less than one copy of such chapter in the form in which it was adopted shall
forthwith be filed in the office of the Auburn city clerk for use and examination by the
public. (Ord. 5679 § 1, 2002; Ord. 5385 § 3, 2000.)
8.24.020 Restriction on times for sale and discharge of fireworks.
The sale, purchase and discharge of consumer fireworks shall not be permitted at
any time except during the following times and dates:
A. Sale and Purchase of Consumer Fireworks. Between the hours of 12:00 noon
and 9:00 p.m. on June 28th of any year and between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on June 29th
through July 4th of any year, with the sale of consumer fireworks not being permitted on
or around New Year's Day, or at any time other than specified above; and
B. Discharge on July Fourth. Between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. on
the 4th of July of any year; and
C. Discharge on New Year's. Between the hours of 6:00 p.m. on December 31 st
and 1:00 a.m. on January 1st of the subsequent year. (Ord. 5679 § 1, 2002; Ord. 5385 § 1,
2000; Ord. 4749 § 2, 1995. Formerly 8.24.060.)
8.24.030 Restrictions and permits.
A. The following fireworks shall not be manufactured, possessed, used or
detonated within the city of Auburn, Washington:
Any device that will produce a visual and/or audible effect when exploded and/or
detonated by combustion, except as follows:
1. Flares for emergency operation.
2. Signal device to begin an athletic event or sport.
3. Use by military organizations.
4. Blank cartridges for show or theater.
5. A permitted fireworks display.
6. Where authorized by federal law within the Muckleshoot Indian Reservation.
Page 3 of 8
7. Such fireworks may be possessed within the city of Auburn while in transit
through the city of Auburn from a location where their purchase and possession is lawful
to a location where their possession and use is lawful; provided, that such transit to and
from such locations is continuous and uninterrupted while in the city of Auburn, and such
transit is in a vehicle in which such transit can be safely accomplished and such transit
while through the city of Auburn is on state highways only (SR-18, SR-164, SR-167);
and further provided, that the transit is in conformity with all legal requirements for such
transit.
B. The following types of fireworks are able to be manufactured, possessed, used
or detonated within the city of Auburn, Washington:
1. Sparkler: stick or wire coated with pyrotechnic composition that produces a
shower of sparks upon ignition.
2. Cylindrical fountain: cylindrical tubes containing pyrotechnic composition.
Upon ignition, a shower of colored sparks and sometimes a whistling effect is produced.
This device may be provided with a spike for insertion into the ground (spike fountain), a
wood or plastic base for placing on the ground (base fountain), or a wood or cardboard
handle if intended to be hand-held (handle fountain).
3. Cone fountain: cardboard or heavy paper cone containing pyrotechnic
composition. The effect is the same as that of a cylindrical fountain.
4. Illuminating torch: cylindrical tube containing pyrotechnic composition. Upon
ignition, colored fire is produced. May be spike, base or hand-held.
5. Wheel: pyrotechnic device attached to a post or tree by means of a nail or
string. Each wheel may contain up to six driver units containing pyrotechnic composition.
Upon ignition, the wheel revolves producing a shower of color and sparks and sometimes
a whistling effect.
6. Ground spinner: small device similar to a wheel in design and effect, placed on
the ground and ignited. A shower of sparks and color is produced by the rapidly spinning
device.
7. Flitter sparkler: narrow paper tube containing pyrotechnic composition which
produces color and sparks upon ignition. This device does not have a fuse for ignition.
The paper at one end of the tube is ignited to make the device function.
8. Smoke device: tube or sphere containing pyrotechnic composition which, upon
ignition, produces white or colored smoke as the primary effect.
C. Permit for Display of Fireworks. A permit for display of fireworks may be
issued by the fire chief under the provisions as set forth in ACC 8.24.040. (Ord. 5945 § 1,
2005; Ord. 5679 § 1, 2002; Ord. 5385 § 5, 2000.)
8.24.040 Public display of fireworks.
A. Every public display of fireworks shall be handled by a competent operator
approved by the fire chief or his designee and shall be of such character, and so located,
discharged, or fired, that, in the opinion of the fire chief or his designee, after proper
investigation, it will not constitute a hazard to property or endanger any person. Should
the fire chief or his designee deny a permit for public display of fireworks, the applicant
therefor shall have the right to appeal that denial to the appropriate Auburn city council
committee, which shall consider such application, recommendation and denial, and in its
discretion shall either uphold the denial or grant the permit applied for.
Page 4 of 8
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B. A state pyrotechnics license is required for operators of a public,display of
` fireworks.
C. A bond or certificate of insurance must be furnished to the fire chief before a
permit is issued. The bond shall be in the amount of $1,000,000 and shall be conditioned
_ upon the applicant's payment of all damages to persons and property resulting,from or
caused by such public display of fireworks, or by any negligence on the part of the
applicant or its agents, servants, employees or subcontractors in the presentation of the
display. The certificate of insurance shall evidence, a comprehensive general liability,
including automobile coverage, insurance policy providing limits of $1,000,000
combined single limit, per occurrence and annual aggregate, no deductible, and naming
the city of Auburn as an additional insured.
D. Transportation and Storage.
1. All fireworks shall be transported within the city in accordance with '49 CFR
Part 177 and 397.9(b) prior to reaching the display site.
2. As soon as the fireworks have been delivered to the display site, they shall be
attended and shall remain dry.
3. All shells shall be inspected upon delivery to the display site by_ the, display
operator. Any shells having tears, leaks, broken fuses, or showing signs of having been
wet shall be set aside and shall not be fired. After the, display, any such shells jshall be
either returned to the supplier or destroyed according to the supplier's instructions.
4. All fireworks at the firing site must be stored in ready boxes (substantially
constructed wood magazines). During the display, the magazines must be 25 feet upwind
(relation to firing line) from the nearest,mortar. Magazine lids must open in the opposite
direction to" the firing. All ready boxes are to be protected by a flame-proof water-
repellent canvas cover until emptied.
5. The shell storage area shall be located at a minimum distance of not less than
25 feet from the discharge site.
6. During the display, shells shall be stored upwind from the discharge site. If the
wind shifts during the display, the shell storage area shall be relocated to be upwind from
the discharge site.
E. Preparation of Site and Crowd Control.
1. All dry grass, 'weeds and other combustible waste matter within 50 feet of the
firing site shall be removed.
2. The site"shall be located so that the trajectory of shells shall not come within 25
feet of any. overhead object.
3. Discharged fireworks shall not come within 100 feet of any tent or canvas
shelter.
4. The firing and storage site shall be located not less than 200 feet from any
building.
5. The operator shall provide sufficient personnel to assure that no unauthorized
persons are allowed within 200 feet of the firing and storage site. This requirement shall
be in effect from one-half hour prior to the arrival of fireworks until all fireworks debris,
equipment and fireworks have been removed from the site.
6. Spectators shall be restrained behind lines or barriers at least 200 feet! rom the
firing and storage,locations.
F. Installation of Mortars.
Page 5 of 8
1. Mortars shall be inspected for dents, bent ends, and cracked or broken plugs
prior to ground placement. Mortars found to be defective in any way shall not be used.
Any scale on the inside surface of the mortars shall be removed.
2. Mortars shall be positioned so that the shells are carried away from spectators
and buildings. When fired over water, mortars shall be installed at an angle of not less
than 10 degrees, pointing toward the water.
3. Mortars shall be either buried securely into the ground to a depth of between
two-thirds and three-fourths of their length or fastened securely in mortar boxes or drums.
In soft ground, heavy timber or rock slabs shall be placed beneath the mortars to prevent
their sinking or being driven into the ground during firing.
4. In damp ground, a weather-resistant bag shall be placed under the bottom of the
mortar prior to placement in the ground to protect the mortar against moisture.
5. Weather-resistant bags shall be placed over the open end of the mortar in damp
weather to keep moisture from accumulating on the inside surface of the mortar.
6. Sand bags, dirt boxes, or other suitable protection shall be placed around the
mortars to protect the operator from ground bursts. This requirement shall not apply to
the down-range side of the discharge site.
G. Operation of the. Display.
1. The operator shall provide fire protection at the site as required by the fire chief
or his designee.
2. Only permitted fireworks are authorized for use.
3. If, in the opinion of the fire chief or his authorized representative, lack of crowd
control should pose a danger, the display shall be immediately discontinued until such
time as the situation is corrected.
4. If at any time high winds or unusually wet weather prevail such that, in the
opinion of the fire chief, his authorized representative or the display operator, a definite
danger exists, the public display shall be postponed until weather conditions improve to
permit safe discharge of fireworks.
5. Light snow or mist need not cause cancellation of the display; however, all
materials used in the display shall be protected from the weather until immediately prior
to use.
6. Display operators and assistants shall use only flashlights or approved electric
lighting for artificial illumination.
7. No smoking or open flames shall be allowed within 50 feet of the firing or
storage area as long as shells are present. Signs to this effect shall be conspicuously
posted.
8. The first shell fired shall be carefully observed to determine that its trajectory
will carry it into the intended firing range and that the shell functions over, and any debris
falls into, the planned landing area.
9. The mortars shall be re-angled or reset if necessary at any time during the
display.
10. When a shell fails to ignite in the mortar, the mortar shall not be touched for a
minimum of five minutes. After five minutes it shall be carefully flooded with water.
Immediately following the display, the mortar shall be emptied into a bucket of water.
The supplier shall be contacted as soon as possible for proper disposal instructions.
Page 6 of 8
11. Operators shall not attempt to repair a damaged shell nor shall they attempt to
dismantle a dry shell. In all such cases, the supplier shall be contacted as soon as possible
for proper disposal instructions.
12. Operators shall not dry a wet shell, lance, or pot for reuse.
13. The entire firing range shall be inspected immediately following the display to
locate any defective shells. Any such shells found shall be immediately doused with
water before handling. The shells shall be placed in a bucket of water. The supplier shall
then be contacted as soon as possible for proper disposal instructions.
14. When fireworks are displayed in darkness the sponsor shall ensure that the
firing range is inspected early the following morning.
15. Any fireworks remaining unfired after the display shall be immediately
disposed of or removed from the city to the supplier from which they were purchased or
to a location approved by the fire chief or his designee.
16. The debris from discharged fireworks shall be properly disposed of.
H. The denial by the fire chief of a permit for the public display of fireworks may
be appealed to the appropriate Auburn city council committee. (Ord. 5679 § 1, 2002; Ord.
5385 § 6, 2000; Ord. 3976 § 8, 1984. Formerly 8.24.080.)
8.24.050 Violation - Penalty.
A. Any person violating any provision of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor,
and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine in an amount not exceeding $1,000, or by
imprisonment in jail for a term not exceeding 90 days, or by both. In the case of a
conviction for a violation of this chapter, the city's fire marshal or designee may order the
fireworks stand closed and may deny approval of a request by the person for a fireworks
license for the next year.
B. A person is guilty of a separate offense for each separate and distinct violation
of any provisions of this chapter, and a person is guilty of a separate offense for each day
during which he/she commits or allows to continue any violation of the provisions of this
chapter.
C. Any fireworks which are illegally sold, offered for sale, used, discharged,
possessed or transported in violation of the provisions of this chapter or of Chapter 70.77
RCW shall be subject to seizure by any police officer or by the city's fire marshal or his
designee. (Ord. 5679 § 1, 2002.)
8.24.060 Severability.
If any provision of this chapter or Chapter 70.77 RCW adopted by reference in
this chapter and effective from and after five days from publication following adoption
by the city council or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the
remainder of this chapter or its application of the provisions to other persons or
circumstances shall not be affected. (Ord. 5679 § 1, 2002; Ord. 5385 § 4, 2000. Formerly
8.24.020.)
Page 7 of 8
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AMENDMENTS - OPTION - Charities
8:24.010 RCW adopted - Copies filed and authenticated.
Except as otherwise provided herein, Chapter 70.77 RCW, State Fireworks Law,
is hereby adopted by reference, including all future amendments or additions thererto, and
under the provisions of RCW 35A.12.140, the sections codified in this chapter shall be
published as required bylaw, but the specified Chapter 70.77 RCW adopted by reference
need not be published but shall be authenticated and recorded with the Auburn city clerk,
and not less than one co of such chapter in the form in which it was adopted shall
forthwith be filed in the office of the Auburn city clerk for use and examination) by the
public.
B. For the purposes hereof Fire Chief shall mean and refer to the Fire Chief of
the Valley Regional Fire Authority or designee. (Ord, 5679 § 1, 2002; Ord.` 5385 § 3,
2000.)
8.24.020 Restriction.on times for sale and discharge of fireworks.
The sale, purchase and discharge of consumer fireworks shall not be permitted at
any time except during the following times and dates and under the :following licensing
circumstances:
A. License Required for Sale of Consumer Fireworks: No consumer fireworks
maybe sold within any area falling within the jurisdiction of the City without aalicense
having been issued by the City - with stands inspected and approved by the Fire Chief
Provided that:
1 Such licenses to sell consumer fireworks shall be issued only to organizations
exempt from taxation under 26USC 501(C) (3) and (4). Such organizations rnust1be able
to show satisfactory proof of such'status-to the City; and
2 A bond or certificate of insurance must be furnished to the City before a, license
to sell consumer - fireworks is- issued. The bond shall be in the amount of
$ and shall be conditioned upon the applicant's payment of all damages
to persons and property resulting from or,caused by the sale of consumer firework's, or by
any negligence on -the part of -the licensee or its agents servants, employees or
subcontractors. The certificate of insurance shall evidence a comprehensive! general
liability including, automobile coverage insurance policy providing li'inits of
combined single limit per occurrence and annual aggre Y e. no
deductible and naming; the City of Auburn as an additional insured and
i The term of the license shall be specified as to the year and dates of 'operation.
B. Sale -and,Purehase of Consumer Fireworks. Between the hours of :1200 noon
and 9:00 p.m.. on June 28th of any year and between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on June 29th
through July 4th 'of any year, with the sale,, of consumer fireworks not being-permitted on
or around New Year's Day, or at any time other than specified above; and
-BC. Discharge on July Fourth. Between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 'ip.m. on
the 4th of July of any -year; and
OD. Discharge on New Year's. Between the hours of 6:00 p.m. on December 31 st
and 1:00 a.m. on January 1st of the.subsequent year. (Ord. 5679 § 1, 2002; Ord. 5385 § 1,
2000; Ord. 4749 § 2; 1995. Formerly 8.24.060.)
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Page 8 of 8
5.10.030 Fees.
Annual license fees are predicated upon the following schedule:
A. Organizations exempt from taxation $-0-
under 26 USC 501(C) (3) and (4). Such
organizations must be able to show
satisfactory proof of such status to the city
B. General business enterprises $50.00
C. Specific types of business enterprises As established in this title or other titles
identified elsewhere in the city code of the Auburn City Code
D. Re-issuance of lost, stolen or destroyed $5.00
license
(Ord. 5754 § 1, 2003; Ord. 4864 § 1, 1996; Ord. 4242 § 1, 1987; Ord. 4012 § 2, 1984.)
5.20.030 License required - Fee - Term - Notices - Exemptions.
A. It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to engage in any business as provided
in this chapter within the city limits without first obtaining a license pursuant to the provisions of
this chapter.
B. The fee licensing under the provisions of this chapter shall be as follows:
Type Fee Term
Initial Renewal
Ambulance Services License
Business No Fee No Fee 7/1 -6/30
Attendant No Fee No Fee 7/1 - 6/30
Amusement Device License
1 to 4 $40.00 $20.00 7/1 -6/30
5 or more $70.00 $20.00 7/1 - 6/30
Auto Races License $70.00 $20.00 7/1 - 6/30
Cabaret License $50.00 $20.00 7/1 -6/30
Carnivals, Circuses, Shows, etc., Licenses
Carnival/circus $70.00 $20.00 7/1 -6/30
Theater/concert $70.00 $20.00 7/1 -6/30
Show/exhibition $70.00 $20.00 7/1 - 6/30
Public amusement $70.00 $20.00 7/1 -6/30
Dance License $50.00 $20.00
Fire Extinguisher
Without testing $30.00 $20.00 7/1 -6/30
With testing $45.00 $20.00 7/1 - 6/30
Fireworks Stands License $70.00 $20.00 Noon 6/28 to Noon 7/6
(Regulation of fireworks stands under Chapter 8.24 ACC)
Massage Business, Health Salon, Public Bathhouse License
Business $85.00 $20.00 7/1 -6/30
Attendant $85.00 $20.00 7/1 -6/30
Merchant Patrol, Private Detective License
Merchant patrol agency $55.00 $20.00 7/1 -6/30
Patrolman $55.00 $20.00 7/1 - 6/30
Detective agency $55.00 $20.00 7/1 - 6/30
Detective $55.00 $20.00 7/1 -6/30
Motor Vehicle Wreckers License
$85.00/Event 7/1 -6/30
Pawnbrokers/Secondhand Dealers License
$40.00 $20.00 7/1 -6/30
Solicitor License
Master $40.00 $20.00 7/1 -6/30
Agent $40.00 $20.00 7/1 - 6/30
Individual $40.00 $20.00 7/1 -6/30
Taxicab Businesses - Requires King County license only to operate in Auburn
Tow Truck Business License
Business $60.00 $20.00 7/1 -6/30
Driver $40.00 $20.00 7/1 - 6/30
C. A duplicate license shall be issued by the business license clerk, as designated by the
mayor, to replace any license previously issued which has been lost, stolen, defaced or
destroyed, upon the filing of an affidavit attesting to such fact and the paying to the business
license clerk of a fee of $1.00.
D. Any notice required by this chapter to be mailed to any licensee shall be sent by
ordinary mail, addressed to the address of the licensee shown by the records of the business
license clerk or, if no such address is shown to such address as the business license clerk is able
to ascertain by reasonable effort. Failure of the licensee to receive such mailed notice shall not
release the licensee from any fee or penalties thereon, nor shall such failure operate to extend
any time limit set by the provisions of this chapter.
E. This section grants an exemption from paying a fee for any licenses required under the
provisions of this chapter to bona fide nonprofit, charitable, religious, or philanthropic persons or
organizations.
1. Any person or organization claiming the exemptions of this section shall file with the
business license clerk an affidavit setting forth facts sufficient to show the application of this
section and the right to such exemption.
2. Persons or organizations required to be licensed by the state of Washington, wherein
the state has preempted the field of endeavor of any such persons or organizations, shall not be
required to obtain a license from the city under the provisions of this title; provided however, any
such persons or organizations doing business within the city limits of the city shall carry the state
license on his or her person at all times when doing business within the city, and shall exhibit
such state license whenever he or she is requested to do so by any police officer or any person
who asks to see the same. (Ord. 5897 § 7, 2005; Ord. 4012 § 2, 1984.)
18.46A.050 Exemptions.
The following activities are exempt from the permit requirements of this chapter, but shall
comply with other substantive requirements of this chapter, unless specifically noted otherwise:
A. Garage sales and yard sales; provided, that the following are complied with:
1. Sales last no longer than three days;
2. Sales are conducted on the owner's property. Multiple-family sales are permitted if
they are held on the property of no more than three contiguous properties of the participants;
3. Signs shall comply with Chapter 18.56 ACC (Signs), as applicable, and must be
removed within 24 hours of completion of the sale;
B. City-sponsored events and activities;
C. Uses regulated or exempted by Chapter 18.60 ACC (Home Occupations);
D. Fireworks stands operating under a permit issued by the city of Auburn and the fire
marshal's office;
E. The placement of uses and structures in response to a proclamation of civil
emergency pursuant to ACC 2.75.070 to provide emergency services to individual citizens or
property owners or businesses;
F. City improvement projects pursuant to ACC 18.02.040(E);
G. Temporary offices, construction staging, equipment storage and other similar activities
on a site upon which public buildings or structures are being constructed, remodeled or otherwise
modified. (Ord. 6268 § 2, 2009.)