Title
ADD-ON - City Code Fireworks Amendments (Ordinance G-7516) - Citywide
Description
Request to approve revisions to the Phoenix City Code fireworks provisions. The proposed repeal and replacement of the current Phoenix City Code Chapter 23, Division 5, Consumer Fireworks, will bring the Phoenix City Code into alignment with the state fireworks statute and increase the City’s enforcement options.
Report
Summary
This repeal and replacement of the fireworks-related provisions in the City Code is in response to direction from the City Manager’s Office and in response to the growing public concern about the public safety risks associated with fireworks use. The revisions to the City Code are consistent with state law, increase enforcement options, and improve the City’s ability to mitigate fire risk, especially in high-risk desert park and preserve areas.
The need for updates stems largely from changes to Arizona Revised Statutes Title 36 enacted in 2015, which preempted local governments from broadly regulating permissible consumer fireworks. While the current Phoenix City Code Fireworks provisions, enacted in 2010, prohibit most fireworks use, state law forbids the prohibition of certain sales and uses by municipalities, creating legal conflicts and enforcement challenges. The proposed revision will align city code with state statute by aligning definitions and prohibiting the sale and use of permissible consumer fireworks to the full extent permitted by state law. The amendments also expand the City’s enforcement tools to include civil citations, seizure and disposal of illegal fireworks, and cost recovery for emergency response.
The proposed amendment is included as Attachment A.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
This item was presented to the City of Phoenix Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee and approved on May 6, 2026.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays, Deputy City Manager Cynthia Aguilar and the Fire, Police and Parks and Recreation departments.