Pyrotechnics and Fireworks Permits

Permits are required for the sale, storage, display, or use of fireworks and pyrotechnic special effects in Arlington County. Permit applications are reviewed by the Office of the Fire Marshal to help ensure compliance with the Arlington County Fire Prevention Code, the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, and all applicable permit conditions.

Permit types may include:

• Retail fireworks sales
• Wholesale fireworks sales
• Fireworks display or use
• Pyrotechnic special effects
• Fireworks storage

Permit fees are assessed in accordance with the Arlington County Fire Prevention Code for operational permits and related inspections.

Completed permit applications should be submitted to the Office of the Fire Marshal at Firepermits@arlingtonva.us.

Application Requirements

Applications must be complete before they can be accepted for review. Required documents may include:

• Completed permit application
• Site plan or plat showing the location of the sale, storage, display, or use area
• Structural plan for any proposed fireworks stand
• Certificate or binder showing required liability insurance
• Written permission from the property owner
• Proposed dates and times of sale, storage, display, or use
• Contact information for the responsible person on site
• Emergency contact information
• Insurance company and policy information

For fireworks sales or storage, the application package must include:

• Plat of the property
• Structural plan for the proposed stand
• Liability insurance binder showing a minimum of $5,000,000 coverage
• Notarized letter from the property owner granting permission to sell fireworks on the property

Inspection Requirements

A permit does not guarantee approval to operate. The Office of the Fire Marshal will inspect the site before or during the permitted activity to verify that all fire code requirements, permit conditions, and approved application materials are being followed.

Inspection requirements may include:

• Fire Marshal inspection before opening or operating
• Verification of approved site layout
• Review of required separation distances
• Verification of fire extinguisher placement
• Review of no smoking signage
• Confirmation that only approved permissible fireworks are being sold or used
• Verification that fireworks are stored and displayed safely
• Confirmation that unsafe conditions have been corrected before approval

For fireworks stands:

• Final approval from building and electrical inspectors must be received before the Fire Prevention Permit is issued.
• The stand operator is responsible for scheduling the required inspection with the Office of the Fire Marshal.
• Inspections can be scheduled by calling 703-228-4644.

Approval may be withheld, suspended, or revoked if unsafe conditions are found, permit conditions are violated, or information provided on the application is inaccurate.

Permissible Consumer Fireworks

Only approved permissible consumer fireworks(PDF, 647KB)  may be sold or used where allowed. The Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office publishes the annual list of approved permissible fireworks(PDF, 647KB) .

Permissible consumer fireworks requirements include:

• Fireworks must be listed on the current Virginia approved permissible fireworks list.
• Fireworks may only be used on private property.
• The user must have permission from the property owner.
• Use of fireworks on County, state, or federal property is prohibited.
• Fireworks may not be used on streets, sidewalks, schools, parks, or public rights-of-way.
• Minors under 18 must be supervised by an adult when using permissible consumer fireworks.

Illegal Fireworks

Illegal fireworks are prohibited in Arlington County. Illegal fireworks may be confiscated, and the responsible person may be charged with a violation of County law.

Illegal fireworks include:

• Fireworks that explode, including firecrackers, mortars, and cherry bombs
• Fireworks that leave the ground or rise into the air, including bottle rockets, mortars, and roman candles
• Projectile-type fireworks
• Fireworks that emit flames or sparks more than 12 feet
• Fireworks with prohibited or unsafe fuse types
• Fireworks that are not listed as approved permissible consumer fireworks

Possession, sale, distribution, or use of illegal fireworks may result in criminal penalties, including a fine of up to $2,500, up to 12 months in jail, or both.

Fireworks Sales and Storage Requirements

Fireworks offered for sale or stored in Arlington County must receive prior approval from the Office of the Fire Marshal.

General sales and storage requirements include:

• A permit is required before fireworks may be sold or stored.
• A competent person at least 18 years old must be in charge at each location at all times.
• No smoking signs must be posted every 10 feet of sales area, with at least three signs visible to people approaching the stand.
• Smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of the fireworks display area.
• Fire extinguishers must be provided based on the size of the sales area.
• Fireworks stands must meet required separation distances from buildings, streets, rights-of-way, combustible materials, and flammable liquid storage or dispensing areas.
• Space under display tables or counters must remain free of storage.
• Fireworks may not be sold to minors under 18 unless accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult.
• Fireworks must be stored, handled, and displayed in a safe manner.
• Unsafe conditions must be corrected before approval to operate is granted.