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Information About the Safe and Sane Fireworks Program
City of Pacifica. The Safe and Sane fireworks sales program in Pacifica dates back to March 1961, when the Pacifica City Council adopted Ordinance No. 167, regulating the sales of fireworks. This ordinance is still in effect and specifies that local non-profit groups are eligible to obtain a permit to sell Safe and Sane fireworks.
Whether or not to continue with the Safe and Sane fireworks program in Pacifica has periodically been discussed by the City Council. Advisory ballot measures were placed on the ballot addressing this question in 1983 and 1996. In both of these ballot measures the voters expressed support to continue with firework sales in Pacifica.
Most recently, in 2019, the City Council revisited the topic of whether to continue the Safe and Sane fireworks program, which led to the City Council’s decision in June 2022 to place an advisory measure on the November 2022 ballot to hear what voters think.
Find more information on Measure Q by following this link.
Below are the City Councils most recent reports related to the Safe and Sane program, past ballot measures, past Task Forces that were formed regarding fireworks enforcement in Pacifica, and recent July 4th Activities reports for 2019, 2020, and 2021.
09/27/2021 Staff Report: Report on July 4, 2021 Activities
06/28/2021 Staff Report: Fireworks Law and Enforcement in Pacifica
02/08/2021 Staff Report: Safe and Sane Fireworks Program Update
04/27/2020 Staff Report: City Council Goals and Priority Projects for FY2020-21
01/27/2020 Staff Report: Safe and Sane Fireworks Program Update
04/25/2019 Staff Report: City Council Goals and Priority Projects for FY2019-20
09/23/2019 Staff Report: Report on July 4th Activities / Safe and Sane Fireworks Study Session
Safe and Sane Fireworks Program Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine if fireworks are Safe and Sane?
- Safe and Sane fireworks can be identified by the seal of the California State Fire Marshall imprinted on the product.
When can I light my Safe and Sane Fireworks?
- It is unlawful to discharge any Safe and Sane fireworks except during these designated hours: from noon to 11:00 pm on June 28th, and between the hours of 9:00 am to 11:00 pm on June 29th through July 5th.
If I get caught with illegal fireworks, or use of Safe and Sane fireworks outside of the permitted hours, how much is the violation?
- Violations of the Pacifica Municipal Code regulating the use of Safe and Sane fireworks will result in fines ranging from $200 for a first offense, $400 for a second offense, and $1,000 for a third offense. Persons caught with illegal fireworks will be cited and may be fined and/or sentenced to one year in jail.
How do I report illegal fireworks or Safe and Sane fireworks outside of the permitted hours of use?
- To report individuals using, possessing, or selling illegal fireworks, call the non-emergency Pacifica Police dispatch line at 650-738-7314.
Celebrating the 4th of July in the City of Pacifica
Pacifica is one of the few cities in the Bay Area to allow legal, “safe & sane” fireworks for the July 4th holiday. “Safe and Sane” (legal) fireworks can be identified by the seal of the California State Fire Marshall imprinted on the product. However, there are limitations in the hours and days fireworks are permitted.
It is unlawful to discharge any “Safe and Sane” fireworks except during these designated hours; from noon to 11:00 pm on June 28th, and between the hours of 9:00 am to 11:00 pm on June 29th through July 5th. Violations of the Pacifica Municipal Code regulating the use of Safe and Sane fireworks will result in fines ranging from $200.00 for a first offense, $400.00 for a second offense, and $1,000.00 for a third offense.
However, the City of Pacifica has zero-tolerance for illegal fireworks. Persons caught with illegal fireworks will be cited and may be fined and/or sentenced to one year in jail.
To report individuals using, possessing, or selling illegal fireworks, call the non-emergency Pacifica Police dispatch line at 650-738-7314.
Illegal fireworks are prohibited on all Pacifica beaches according to the California Health and Safety Code. There are NO fireworks of any type allowed on any beaches in the City of Pacifica, except for a defined portion of Pacifica State Beach/Linda Mar. There are also two other sites where legal “safe and sane” fireworks are allowed. Legal fireworks must have the State Fire Marshal seal of approval.
The defined portion of Pacifica State Beach/Linda Mar where “safe and sane” fireworks are allowed is described as the area immediately west of the north parking lot of Pacifica State Beach/Linda Mar to approximately ten feet (10′) east of the tideline and immediately north of the Taco Bell Restaurant (5200 Coast Highway) to the prolongation of the north end of the north Pacifica State Beach/Linda Mar parking lot.
Two Additional Sites
- South Pacifica State Beach/Linda Mar parking lot on the asphalt area of the parking lot.
- South Rockaway Beach parking lot on the asphalt area of the parking lot.
In 2017, the Pacifica City Council adopted the Illegal Fireworks Social Host Ordinance in an attempt to curb the rampant use of illegal fireworks in Pacifica. This ordinance was designed to hold responsible those hosting gatherings for any illegal firework activity on property they own or rent. If officers see illegal fireworks being discharged from a property, the person responsible for the property will be subject to a fine, regardless of who discharged the firework. The penalty for a violation of the Illegal Fireworks Social Host Ordinance is $1,000.
Additionally, if a minor is found discharging illegal fireworks, the person having care, custody, or control of the minor is strictly liable for the illegal activity and subject to a fine.
Important Reminders & Pacifica Municipal Codes (PMC)
- Illegal Fireworks – Illegal fireworks are prohibited on all beaches according to California Health and Safety Code. Safe and Sane fireworks are only allowed on a defined section of Linda Mar Beach and must have a State Fire Marshall seal of approval (12677 HS)
- City Ordinance – Any person who possesses illegal fireworks in the City of Pacifica will receive a $1,000.00 administrative fine.
- No Fires – Fires (and barbecues) are prohibited on all beaches. PMC 4-10-118(a)(7)
- No Alcohol – Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on all beaches. PMC 4-10-118(a)(8)
- No Glass Bottles – Glass containers are prohibited on all beaches. PMC 4-10-118(a)(8)
- No Off-Leash Dogs – Dogs are only allowed on Pacifica beaches when they are properly leashed and under their owner’s control. PMC 6-1.206(a)
Yes on Q for Quiet Neighborhoods
From Bill Collins, President of Pacifica Shorebird Alliance.
Fireworks are neither safe nor sane, which is why they’re not legal in most county cities. Fires, loss of sleep, veterans with PTSD, scared pets and wildlife, pollution, air pollution, and injuries result each summer. Vote YES on Measure Q.
- With our dry weather and frequent drought, fireworks are more a fire threat than ever. This summer a local boy started a substantial fire while using fireworks. We pay more for public safety overtime and insurance.
- When our neighborhoods sound like war zones, veterans with PTSD relive combat. They deserve better.
- Why should we lose sleep night after night?
- Fireworks freak out our pets and wildlife.
- Fireworks cause injuries each year. A Pacifican lost her hand to fireworks last year. YES on Q.
- Fireworks pollute. Some of the litter washes into the ocean.
Unfortunately, these aren’t one-day problems,
but continue over weeks.
Our community will come together to help nonprofits raise money safely.
Vote YES on Measure Q for safe, Quiet neighborhoods
VOTE Nov. 2022 ~ Shall City of Pacifica Prohibit the Ignition, Use, Discharge, or Sale of all State-approved “Safe and Sane” Fireworks?
San Mateo County Crackdown on Illegal Fireworks: Boosts Fines for First Offenses to $1,000
San Mateo County Supervisors Increase Fines to $1,000 and Jail Time for Illegal Fireworks
Author: Coastside Buzz
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