On Nov. 5, 2024, the voters approved Measure AA, allowing for the sale, possession, and use of “Safe and Sane” fireworks, in the City of Orange. Safe and Sane Fireworks may only be used on July 4th between Noon and 10:00 p.m.
As the City of Orange is very broke, Measure AA will allow non-profits and school organizations to raise their own money by selling the safe and sane fireworks. They are not likely to get any more grants from the City of Orange.
Where are Safe and Sane Fireworks not allowed to be ignited?
There are five categories.
- Any public property, including public streets, highways, sidewalks, alleys, parks or other publicly owned property, buildings or facilities except for residential sidewalks, alleys, and streets.
- Any property within a commercial district, except for residential uses within the commercial district.
- Any property within an industrial district/manufacturing district except for residential uses within both districts.
- Within 300 feet of a fireworks stand.
- Within 100 feet where gasoline or any other flammable liquid is stored or dispensed.
How to Sell Safe and Sane Fireworks in the City of Orange
There are two phases to sell Safe and Sane fireworks:
- The application and lottery phase.
- The permit phase.
Phase 1: Application and Lottery Process
To better ensure equal opportunity, the City of Orange has established a lottery process to sell Safe and Sane Fireworks.
Maximum Number of Permits and Orange-based High Schools
Twelve (12) permits will be issued each year. Four (4) of the 12 will go to the public and private high schools in Orange. The permits for the high schools will cover all sports teams, booster clubs, other school organizations, etc. Each school will be responsible for how the Permit will be administered and utilized.
All Other Qualified Organizations
To be included in the annual lottery, “Qualified Organizations” as defined in Orange Municipal Code Chapter 8.13 and Resolution No. 11597 are encouraged to fill out and submit the application that will be available at the bottom of this page beginning the first business day of March.
Applications may be submitted up until the last business day of March at 5:30 p.m. at which point the application process will close for that calendar year.
A lottery will be held during a City Council meeting (2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month) in April or May to select eight (8) applicants.
Phase II: Permit Phase
Applicants selected in the lottery will be contacted by the Orange Fire Department to begin the process to secure all necessary approvals to receive their permit for that year.
To learn more about the City’s newly created “Safe and Sane” fireworks program (including how to sell “Safe and Sane” fireworks), please visit www.cityoforange.org/fireworks.
One Application per Qualified Organization
Please note that only one application may be submitted to be included in the lottery for a Safe and Sane Fireworks Permit. If more than one application is submitted on behalf of any nonprofit organization or educational institution, including from their respective affiliated organizations, the City shall disregard one or all of the applications at its sole discretion. Any attempt to transfer an application shall void that application and may preclude an applicant from participating in the lottery in future years.
Click here to view Resolution No. 11597
Click here to view Ordinance Municipal Code Chapter 8.13
Applications to enter the lottery to sell “Safe and Sane” fireworks will be available on the city’s website on Monday, March 3.
