Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

WHY DID YOUR CITY COUNCIL ADOPT A FIREWORKS ORDINANCE?

The sale of fireworks in the City of Carson has been approved by the City Council as a method of raising funds for charitable organizations within the city.  The Council has adopted certain regulations relative to the sale of fireworks to insure the safety of the citizens.

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A LICENSE IS REQUIRED TO SELL FIREWORKS

A license is required to sell fireworks within the City of Carson.  The license is only valid for that period of time beginning 12:00 noon on the 28th of June and ending 12:00 midnight of the 4th of July of the year in which the license is granted.

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HOW TO OBTAIN A LICENSE

Any non-profit, charitable, or religious group may file an application for a license with the City Finance Department if it meets the following requirements:

1. Documentation demonstrating that the organization has its principal and permanent meeting place in the City of Carson, or 50% of its members reside in the city.
    
2. Records to authenticate the organization has been organized and established in the city for a minimum of one year continuously preceding the filing of an application for a license.
    
3. Documentation to establish the organization has a bonafide membership of at least 20 members.   Records must include the list of members with their residential addresses and phone numbers.

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APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applications for the sale of fireworks may be obtained and filed only between the 1st of March and the 1st of April of each year.  Such applications may be obtained from the City Finance Department.  When submitted to the Finance Department, every application for a license must be accompanied by:

1.  An application fee of $25.00 which is not refundable
    
2. Two copies of a plot plan showing the stand location in relation to existing structures and the public right-of-way.
    
3.  Copy of recorded deed evidencing ownership of designated location or an executed lease, rental or license agreement evidencing that applicant has legal authority to locate and operate a fireworks stand at designated location.
    
4. Proof of current tax exempt status from Franchise Tax Board or Internal Revenue Service.

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ISSUANCE OF A LICENSE

Licenses will be issued first to applicants which held a license during the previous calendar year and faithfully complied with all requirements and are considered in good standing.  Any remaining licenses will be granted to qualified applicants in the order in which their applications are filed with the city.  In the event that there are more applications than  licenses available, applicants not receiving licenses will be placed on a waiting list in the order their applications are filed with the city.

Applicants for a fireworks license will be notified by the Finance Department on or before April 7th as to whether their application has been approved or rejected.  If approved, the applicant must:

1. Pay a license fee of $225.00.
    
2. Post a $50.00 clean-up deposit.
    
3. File a certificate of public liability and property damage insurance with the Finance Department in a minimum amount of $100,000/$25,000 naming the City of Carson as an additional insured.
    
4. Provide a copy of sellers permit from State Board of Equalization.
    

A license will be granted upon compliance with these regulations and upon approval by all inspecting agencies.

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STATE FIRE MARSHALL LICENSE

A fireworks license will not be issued unless the organization applying for the license has first obtained a license from the State Fire Marshal under Section 12500 of the Health and Safety Code of the State of California.

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USE OF NET PROCEEDS

An organization may only use the net proceeds derived from the sale of fireworks for non-profit, charitable, or religious service projects that will be of benefit to the residents of the City of Carson.  A report describing the project together with an accounting of the funds derived from the sale of the fireworks for the previous year, must be submitted to the Finance Department on or before March 1.

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REGULATIONS FOR FIREWORKS STANDS

All fireworks stands shall be located, maintained and operated subject to the following provisions:

1. All utilities must be installed and maintained in accordance with the City Building Code.  Please contact the City Building Department for inspections and information.
    

2. Fireworks stands may not be located within 100 feet of a gasoline station or commercial garage nor within 25 feet of any other structure.  Minimum setback from the street curb is 10 feet.
    

3. Fireworks stands may not be located in a residential zone except when approved by City Council.
    

4. The fireworks license must be posted in a conspicuous place.
    

5. A fireworks stand may not be installed prior to noon, June 21^st and must be removed before noon, July 12^th.
    

6. All litter, weeds, etc. must be cleared from the location of the stand, and for a distance of at least 50 feet surrounding the stand.  All trash must be removed from the premise each evening.  A refund of the $50.00 clean-up deposit will be made if the location is left clear of debris.
    

7. Two fire extinguishers must be maintained in each stand.
    

8. No smoking is allowed within or around the fireworks stand.
    

9. There must be at least one adult in the stand while it is open for the sale of fireworks.  An adult night watchman shall be provided during storage hours.  Under no circumstances may be sleep in the stand.  No person under 18 years of age is permitted in a fireworks stand.
    

10. Alcoholic beverages or intoxicated persons are not allowed in a fireworks stand.
     

11. Exits at each end of the stand and one rear exit for each 20 feet must be at least 30 inches in width.  No fireworks may be store in front of exit doors.  Such doors must be able to open from inside without the use of a key or any special knowledge or effort.  A 30 inch aisle way to the exits must be maintained.
     

12. All fireworks must be stored in the fireworks stand, and in no other building, and must be removed by noon, July 7^th.
     

13. Strict compliance to the provisions of state fireworks laws is required.
     

14. Safe and sane fireworks may only be sold at a properly licensed stand within the City of Carson during the following hours:

i.	on the twenty-eighth day of June from 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m., and
ii.	from the twenty-ninth day of June through the fourth day of July from 07:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

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OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The City Council may prescribe additional terms and conditions if deemed necessary.

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