San Luis Obispo County enacts stricter fireworks ordinance
Enhanced enforcement focuses on high-priority areas in SLO County
– The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors has enacted a new ordinance to address concerns over the use of illegal fireworks and the associated risks of fires and injuries. The ordinance, which was adopted on June 19, aims to strengthen enforcement and improve public safety during the high-risk fire season.
Effective immediately, the ordinance prohibits all unpermitted fireworks in the county’s unincorporated areas, including Oceano, Cayucos, Nipomo, Avila Beach, Shandon, Creston, and Santa Margarita. While individual fire protection districts may have their own regulations, most maintain similar bans on fireworks use.
The new ordinance includes several key provisions:
Individuals who use or allow the use of illegal fireworks on their property, even if they do not personally ignite them, are subject to $1,000 fines per violation.
Each discharge of fireworks counts as a separate offense, meaning multiple fines can be issued for a single incident.
Parents or guardians will be held strictly liable for any fireworks violations committed by minors under their care.
Violators may also be charged for response costs, including those for firefighting, law enforcement, and medical services.
Fireworks may be seized, and those responsible could be billed for their disposal.
Criminal penalties, including fines starting at $2,000, may apply for possession or use of dangerous fireworks (those not labeled “safe and sane”). Felony charges may be filed for possessing more than 500 pounds of fireworks.
A formal appeals process is available, but fines must be paid in advance.
The ordinance also affects Oceano, where “safe and sane” fireworks were previously allowed under the Oceano Community Services District’s fire protection jurisdiction. Since the district officially ended its fire service responsibilities at the start of this year, the county has taken over fire protection in Oceano. As a result, county fire codes now apply, including the prohibition on safe and sane fireworks.
Enhanced enforcement efforts will focus on specific high-priority areas. For more information on the ordinance and safe celebration alternatives, visit www.slocounty.ca.gov/fireworks.
