The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors approved amendments to the County’s fireworks ordinance during its March 24 meeting, significantly strengthening penalties for the use of illegal fireworks and the unauthorized use of “safe and sane” fireworks.
The ordinance update follows Board direction from November 2025 to increase enforcement measures and better protect neighborhoods, parks and public spaces from the dangers associated with illegal fireworks.
Under the previous ordinance, violators faced escalating fines of $1,000 for a first violation, $2,500 for a second violation, and $5,000 for each additional violation. A fine of $10,000 was imposed for violations occurring within the American River Parkway, as well as any park or school property.
The amended ordinance introduces a more stringent approach by applying fines for each individual illegal firework used, as well as for each instance of unauthorized use of “safe and sane” fireworks outside the designated time period.
In Sacramento County, “safe and sane” fireworks are only permitted between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m., from June 28 through July 4. Use outside of these dates and times is prohibited and now subject to enhanced penalties under the updated ordinance.
The amended ordinance will return to the Board for final approval on April 7, 2026, and will go into effect on May 7, 2026, ahead of the summer season when fireworks activity typically increases.
Sacramento County encourages residents to celebrate responsibly and to report illegal fireworks activity to (916) 874-5115 to help keep neighborhoods safe.