Fireworks Information - 2023

fireworks graphic

Get ready to celebrate the Fourth of July! It is legal to use safe and sane fireworks in the City of Huntington Beach on the 4th of July from noon to 10 p.m. (see Municipal Code for requirements on places of discharge). With the passage of Measure T, the City Council wrote new regulations to help non-profit organizations raise money and for all residents to have a safe Fourth of July. Non-profit organizations may apply for the opportunity to operate one of 15 allowed fireworks stands to raise funds for their charitable cause.

Application Process

A maximum of 15 permits allowing the sale of safe and sane fireworks within the City will be issued each year to non-profit organizations using a lottery system within the following categories:

Youth Sports (5)
• Youth sports organizations operating within the City whose main purpose is to benefit a valid youth sports activity. Examples include but are not limited to little league, “AYSO” soccer, youth football, basketball, tennis, or golf. This category does not include individual club or travel sports teams, or high school extracurricular activities/sports.

High School (5)
• High schools operating within the City that agree to use the proceeds for the benefit of valid student extracurricular activities/sports shall be allowed to submit one application.

• Each of the four Huntington Beach public high schools shall, upon submittal of an application, be awarded one Permit. Each public high school that receives a Permit will hold its own lottery between its student clubs and organizations, and dedicate the stand to not more than two groups. Private Huntington Beach high schools may each enter one application and a lottery drawing will be held among the private high school Applicants for a fifth high school Permit. If no private high school submits an application, then the four public high schools will be entered into a lottery for the fifth high school Permit.

Civic Organizations (5)
• Civic organizations operating within the City, whose sole purpose is for civic betterment or charitable or religious purposes to and for the citizens of Huntington Beach, shall be allowed to submit one application. This category does not include high school extracurricular activities or youth or adult sports organizations.

Completed 2022 applications must be received by the City Clerk’s office no later than Thursday, March 31 at 5:00 p.m.: E-mailed applications will be accepted; applications are not given priority based on date of submittal; the City Clerk shall conduct a lottery at the second City Council meeting in April (Tuesday, April 19).

Applicants must (in addition to other requirements on the application): Be a registered non-profit organization (Tax ID Number); have a principal and permanent meeting place within the City; provide direct and regular community services and benefits to residents of the City.

One application per organization.

Civic and Youth Sports Organization Application 2023

Regulations

Key elements of fireworks regulations include:

Safe and Sane Firework sales allowed on July 1, 2, and 3 from Noon - 10 p.m. and on July 4 from 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Discharge of Safe and Sane Fireworks is only allowed on July 4 from Noon - 10 p.m.
Fireworks MAY NOT be discharged:
- On any beach, wetlands, or public parks
- All areas on the ocean side of Pacific Coast Highway (e.g. Sunset Beach)
- Within 10 ft of any residence, dwelling or other structure or oil wells
- Public Property, including public streets, highways and other publicly owned property, buildings or facilities (except residential sidewalks, alleys, and streets)
- Properties located in commercial and industrial/manufacturing districts
- Within 300 ft of a fireworks stand or within 100 ft of a gas station/flammable liquids
- See ordinance and resolution for additional regulations
Improper discharge of Safe and Sane fireworks or discharge of illegal fireworks is subject to a $500 citation
Residents may discharge fireworks on their residential street, however, to help keep Huntington Beach clean, please properly dispose of spent fireworks properly! Do not leave them in the streets.
Link to Municipal Code Chapter 5.90 Fireworks
Fireworks Resolution No. 2016-01 (pdf)
Fireworks Information Sheet 2023