In accordance with Section 12541 of the California Health and Safety Code, City Council of the City of Paramount hereby enacts this chapter for the purpose of regulating the sale, possession, use, ignition, firing, or discharge of fireworks within the City.
(Prior code § 20-1; Ord. 1193, 1/28/2025)
For the purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them by this section:
City.
The City of Paramount, California.
Dangerous fireworks.
Includes all of the following:
1. 
Any fireworks which contain any of the following:
a. 
Arsenic sulfide, arsenates, or arsenites.
b. 
Boron.
c. 
Chlorates, except:
i. 
In colored smoke mixture in which an equal or greater amount of sodium bicarbonate is included.
ii. 
In caps and party poppers.
iii. 
In those small items (such as ground spinners) wherein the total powder content does not exceed four grams of which not greater than 15% (or 600 milligrams) is potassium, sodium, or barium chlorate.
d. 
Gallates or gallic acid.
e. 
Magnesium (magnesium-aluminum alloys, called magnalium, permitted).
f. 
Mercury salts.
g. 
Phosphorus (red or white except that red phosphorus is permissible in caps and party poppers).
h. 
Picrates or picric acid.
i. 
Thiocyanates.
j. 
Titanium, except in particle size greater than 100-mesh.
k. 
Zirconium.
2. 
Firecrackers.
3. 
Skyrockets and rockets, including all devices which employ any combustible or explosive material and which rise in the air during discharge.
4. 
Roman candles, including all devices which discharge balls of fire into the air.
5. 
Chasers, including all devices which dart or travel about the surface of the ground during discharge.
6. 
Sparklers more than 10 inches in length or one-fourth of one inch in diameter.
7. 
All fireworks designed and intended by the manufacturer to create the element of surprise upon the user. These items include, but are not limited to, auto-foolers, cigarette loads, exploding golf balls, and trick matches.
8. 
Fireworks known as devil-on-the-walk, or any other fireworks which explodes through means of friction, unless otherwise classified by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to this chapter.
9. 
Torpedoes of all kinds which explode on impact.
10. 
Fireworks kits.
11. 
Such other fireworks examined and tested by the State Fire Marshal and determined by him or her, with the advice of the State Board of Fire Services, to possess characteristics of design or construction which make such fireworks unsafe for use by any person not specially qualified or trained in the use of fireworks.
Fireworks.
Any device containing chemical elements and chemical compounds capable of burning independently of the oxygen of the atmosphere and producing audible, visual, mechanical, or thermal effects which are used as pyrotechnic devices or for entertainment. The term "fireworks" includes, but is not limited to, devices designated by the manufacturer as fireworks, torpedoes, skyrockets, roman candles, rockets, Daygo bombs, sparklers, party poppers, paper caps, chasers, fountains, smoke sparks, aerial bombs, toy pistols, toy cannons, toy canes or toy guns in which explosives are used, fire balloons (balloons of a type which have a burning material of any kind attached thereto or which require fire underneath to propel them), and fireworks kits. The term "fireworks" includes both "dangerous fireworks" and "safe and sane" fireworks.
Fireworks stand.
Any building, counter, or other structure of a temporary nature used in the sale, the offering for sale, or display for sale of safe and sane fireworks.
Safe and sane fireworks.
Any fireworks which do not come within the definition of dangerous fireworks and that have been classified and registered as "safe and sane" by the State Fire Marshal. All "safe and sane" fireworks shall be labeled with the "safe and sane" fireworks seal as authorized by the State Fire Marshal.
Social host.
A person or persons with a right of possession of the residence or other private property within the City at which dangerous fireworks are sold, offered to be sold, possessed, stored, used, ignited, or discharged, including, but not limited to: (1) any owner of the residence or other private property - meaning the record owner of the title to property as of the time of the possession, storage, sale, use, ignition, or discharge, wherever that person or entity resides at that time; (2) a tenant or lessee of the residence or other private property at the time when the illegal fireworks are possessed, stored, sold, used, ignited, or discharged; (3) the person(s) in charge of the residence or other private property at the time when dangerous fireworks are possessed, stored, sold, used, ignited, or discharged; (4) the person(s) who organizes, supervises, officiates, conducts, or controls the gathering or any other person(s) accepting responsibility for such gatherings where dangerous fireworks are possessed. A social host need not be present at the time dangerous fireworks are possessed, stored, sold, used, ignited, or discharged for the City to impose penalties.
State Fireworks Law.
The laws and regulations set forth under the California Health and Safety Code Section 12500 et seq., and relevant sections of Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations, as the same may be amended from time to time.
(Prior code § 20-2; Ord. 1193, 1/28/2025)
A. 
It is unlawful for any social host to allow, by invitation or consent, the possession, offer for sale, sale, use, display, explosion, ignition, or discharge any fireworks within the City except as provided under Chapter 8.12 on their property or their gathering on other private property. Such a violation subjects any and all social host(s) to penalties for violation of this chapter as prescribed in Section 8.12.160 of this code.
B. 
In the event that a juvenile hosts a gathering at a property or other private property at which illegal possession, offer for sale, sale, use, display, explosion, ignition, or discharge of fireworks occurs, then the parents or guardians of that juvenile will be jointly and severable liable for any penalties incurred pursuant to this section.
C. 
In the event that a juvenile and/or parents of a juvenile are found to be responsible under subsection B of this section, community service hours in lieu of, or in addition to, penalties under this section may be granted at the discretion of the City Attorney or City Prosecutor.
(Ord. 1193, 1/28/2025)
Each applicant for a fireworks permit shall have filed with the City Clerk prior to the issuance of any permit, a policy of public liability insurance with coverage of at least $500,000, and a policy of property damage insurance with coverage of at least $100,000, or a certificate showing such amount of insurance. Each policy shall contain a separate endorsement therein listing and carrying the City as an additional assured under the policy with the provision that such policy cannot be terminated or suspended without 30 days' written notice to the City.
(Prior code § 20-4)
It is unlawful for any person under the age of 16 in the City to purchase "safe and sane" fireworks. It is unlawful for any operator, owner, or employee of a fireworks stand in the City to sell, or offer to sell any "safe and sane" fireworks to any person under the age of 16.
(Prior code § 20-7)
A. 
All retail sales of "safe and sane" fireworks shall be permitted only from within a temporary fireworks stand, and the sale from any other building or structure is hereby prohibited.
B. 
Temporary stands shall be subject to the following provisions:
1. 
Only the following organizations are eligible for a fireworks permit from the City:
Church of God of Prophecy
Downey Avenue Foursquare Church
Emmanuel Reform Church
First Assembly of God
Knight of Columbus
Lions Club
Paramount Elks #1804
Praise Chapel Paramount
Should any one or more organization(s) identified hereinabove not submit an application for a fireworks permit in any year as required under this chapter, within the time set forth in Section 8.12.110(B), that organization(s) shall forfeit its privilege of a permit and no new permit will be issued to that organization(s) by the City in any future year, and the number of eligible organizations for a fireworks permit will be permanently reduced.
2. 
No fireworks stand shall be located less than a one-quarter mile distance from another.
3. 
No fireworks stand shall be located within 25 feet of any structure or property line. Minimum setback from the public sidewalk shall be 15 feet. All weeds and combustible material shall be cleared from the location of the stand, including a distance of at least 25 feet surrounding the stand.
4. 
All stands shall meet the structural stability requirements of the building regulations of the City, and all lighting circuits and other electrical equipment shall meet the requirements of the electrical regulations of the City.
5. 
No stand shall have a floor area in excess of 400 square feet.
6. 
Stands shall have exit doors at least 30 inches in width at both ends of the structure and one additional door for each 25 feet of rear wall in excess of 25 feet. All doors shall open outward from the stand and all doorways shall be kept free and clear from all supplies and materials at all times.
7. 
Each stand shall be provided with two and one-half-gallon water type fire extinguishers, in good working order, and easily accessible for use in case of fire.
8. 
There shall be at least one supervisor, 21 years of age or older, on duty at all times. No person under 18 years of age shall be allowed inside the stand at any time, nor shall any person under 18 years of age work at or about any premises where "safe and sane" fireworks are sold or offered for sale.
9. 
No person employed as a watchperson shall be permitted to remain inside of any stand when it is not open for business.
10. 
"NO SMOKING" signs with four-inch letters shall be prominently displayed, both inside and outside the stand. No smoking shall be permitted within the stand, or within 15 feet of the stand.
11. 
No stand shall be erected before June 10th of any year. The premises on which the stand is erected shall be cleared of all structures and debris, no later than 72 hours after midnight on July 4th and shall be done to the satisfaction of the Fire Department.
12. 
No fireworks shall be discharged in or within 25 feet of any fireworks stand.
13. 
No person shall allow any rubbish to accumulate in or around any fireworks stand or permit a fire nuisance to exist.
14. 
No fireworks stand shall remain unattended at any time regardless of whether the fireworks stand is open for business or not. If any fireworks are stored they shall only be stored at such places as are approved for storage of fireworks by the State Fire Marshal.
15. 
All owners, operators or employees of fireworks stands in the City shall provide literature and information ("Fireworks Information") regarding: (a) the provisions of this chapter and the violations contained therein; and (b) safety information. The Fireworks Information will be prepared by the City and given to those persons issued a fireworks permit required under this chapter. The permittee shall reproduce and distribute the Fire-works Information to anyone who purchases "safe and sane" fireworks.
(Prior code § 20-8)
It is the duty of every person issued a fireworks permit to comply with all the provisions of the State fireworks law, the rules and regulations of the State and Fire Marshal and the provisions of this chapter of the Paramount Municipal Code. In accordance with SB 839 the following additional State law provisions are integrated into this section:
A. 
The City will adopt by resolution a cost reimbursement policy to the office of the State Fire Marshal for the collection of disposal costs; and
B. 
All fines collected pursuant to this chapter shall not be subject to disbursement required by Section 12706 of the California Health and Safety Code; and
C. 
The prohibition on the possession of dangerous fireworks under this chapter is limited to 25 pounds or less.
(Prior code § 20-9)
Unless a valid fireworks permit has been issued by the City, no person shall do any of the following:
A. 
Import, export, possess for the purpose of sale, offer for sale or sell any "safe and sane" fireworks for any use or purpose including agricultural purposes or wild life control.
B. 
Make a public display of "safe and sane" fireworks any place.
C. 
Transport safe and sane fireworks, except as provided for in the State fireworks law.
(Prior code § 20-10)
A. 
Fee. Any person desiring to sell "safe and sane" fireworks shall submit a complete application to the Planning Director or designee for a fireworks permit. Each applicant shall pay to the City a fee, as adopted by resolution by the City Council but no less than $15, at the time the applicant files the application.
B. 
Time for Filing Application. Each application for a permit to sell "safe and sane" fireworks shall be filed with the Planning Director or designee no earlier than February 1 and no later than April 1 of the calendar year for which the permit is sought.
C. 
Contents of Application. Each applicant for a fireworks permit shall file an application with the Planning Director or designee. Each application shall require the following:
1. 
The name and address of applicant;
2. 
Applicant phone number and email address;
3. 
The applicant's status as a nonprofit, charitable, religious, or eleemosynary corporation or association;
4. 
The purpose for which the applicant is primarily existing and for which it was organized;
5. 
The names and addresses of the officers, if any, of the applicant;
6. 
The location where the applicant is applying to sell "safe and sane" fireworks;
7. 
The date the applicant was organized and established;
8. 
The location of the applicant's principal and permanent meeting place;
9. 
The name, address and State Fire Marshal's license number of any wholesaler or distributor from whom the retailer proposes to purchase "safe and sane" fireworks for resale;
10. 
The applicant's State Board of Equalization sales tax permit number;
11. 
The manner, method, and times (how and when) the applicant proposes to sell "safe and sane" fireworks; and
12. 
Such other information as the Planning Director may require for investigation and determination.
D. 
Qualifications of Applicant. A fireworks permit shall be issued only to those applicants identified under Section 8.12.080(B)(1), but which shall meet both of the following qualifications:
1. 
A City-sponsored youth group or charitable, or religious association organized and existing primarily for veteran, patriotic, religious, charitable, or civic betterment purposes.
2. 
The association must have its principal and permanent meeting place in the City and have been organized and established in the City for a period of at least two years prior to the date of application made for a fireworks permit.
E. 
Investigation of Application. The Planning Director shall cause an investigation to be made of each application and shall submit a report of the findings and recommendations to the City Council should any one or more organization(s) identified in Section 8.12.080(B)(1) not submit an application for a fireworks permit as required under this chapter.
(Prior code §§ 20-11—20-15; Ord. 1193, 1/28/2025)
The City Council shall have the power in its discretion to grant or deny any application, subject to such reasonable conditions, if any, as it shall prescribe.
(Prior code § 20-16)
A fireworks permit issued pursuant to this chapter shall be valid only within the calendar year in which issued. Only one permit shall be issued to any applicant, and such permit shall be valid only for the premises or location for which issued. No permit shall be transferable, assignable or renewable.
(Prior code § 20-17)
A fireworks permit issued pursuant to this chapter authorizes only the retail sale of "safe and sane" fireworks by the applicant at the location or premises designated in the permit.
(Prior code § 20-18)
At the discretion of the Public Safety Director, an annual meeting may be called requiring City representatives, law enforcement and fire personnel, and those members of each fireworks provider to attend. The purpose of the meeting is for those organizations present to discuss problems, if any, regarding illegal fireworks vendors and fireworks education programs.
(Prior code § 20-19)
Violations of this chapter shall be punishable in accordance with Section 1.04.150 of the Paramount Municipal Code. Violations of this chapter set forth in an administrative fine schedule established by City Council resolution shall be punishable in accordance with Chapter 1.08 (Administrative Citations) of the Paramount Municipal Code.
(Prior code § 20-20; Ord. 1193, 1/28/2025)
To the extent there are regulations, ordinances or resolutions existing prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, such regulations, ordinances and resolutions are hereby repealed.
(Prior code § 20-21)