Fireworks Show
Fireworks Show

San Luis Obispo County Enacts Stricter Fireworks Ordinance to Enhance Public Safety

Author: Administrative Office
Date: 6/24/2025 1:13 PM

Fines as high as $1000 per violation.

In response to growing concerns over illegal fireworks use and the associated risks of fires and injuries, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors has adopted a new ordinance aimed at bolstering enforcement, enhancing public safety and protecting community resources during the high-risk fire season. 
Effective June 19, the ordinance introduces stricter penalties for the use of illegal fireworks and establishes new enforcement measures. The new ordinance includes the following: 
  • All unpermitted fireworks are prohibited in the county’s unincorporated areas: these include the communities of Oceano, Cayucos, Nipomo, Avila Beach, Shandon, Creston and Santa Margarita.  Individual fire protection districts have their own ordinances, but most have similar bans.  
  • Fines up to $1,000 per violation will be issued for any illegal fireworks activity. Individuals who use or allow the use of illegal fireworks on their property, regardless of whether they personally ignite them are liable.  
  • Each discharge is a separate offense, meaning multiple fines can apply in one incident. 
  • Parents or guardians are strictly liable for any fireworks violations committed by minors under their care. 
  • Violators may also be charged for response costs, including firefighting, law enforcement, and medical response services. 
  • Fireworks may be seized, and responsible parties may be billed for disposal. 
  • Criminal penalties may also apply, including fines starting at $2,000 for possession or use of dangerous (those not labeled “safe and sane”) fireworks, and felony charges for possessing more than 500 pounds of fireworks. 
  • A formal appeals process is in place, but fines must be paid in advance.  
“This ordinance was created to follow the mandate of our safety professionals at County Fire due to the increased risk of fires,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Dawn Ortiz-Legg. “At their request, the County has taken this difficult but critical step in safeguarding our communities.”  
The new ordinance affects most unincorporated areas of the county, including Oceano where “safe and sane” fireworks were allowed when the Oceano Community Services District was responsible for the community’s fire protection. With OCSD officially divesting from fire service at the beginning of this year, the County is now responsible for fire protection in Oceano. As a result, County fire codes and ordinances now apply within Oceano—including the County’s long-standing prohibition on safe and sane fireworks. 
 
“While I would have liked to have seen an exemption for Oceano to allow safe and sane fireworks, the Board decided to move forward with uniform fireworks rules that apply everywhere the County provides fire service,” said 4th District Supervisor Jimmy Paulding. “This new fireworks ordinance with increased fines is an important public safety tool, but I want to reassure the community that the County’s goal is to go after people using dangerous, aerial fireworks, not families with sparklers.” 

Enforcement efforts will take place county wide. In addition to the increased fines and penalties, local law enforcement will be deploying additional staffing and technology - like drones - to identify and cite offenders. Residents are encouraged to report illegal fireworks activity to the Sheriff's non-emergency line at (805) 781-4550. The goal of this ordinance is to discourage people from continually including illegal fireworks in their 4th of July celebrations.
 
For more information on the ordinance and safe celebration alternatives, visit www.slocounty.ca.gov/fireworks.San Luis Obispo County