Quick Take
Starting July 3 at 8 a.m., the Santa Cruz Police Department will enforce a citywide safety enhancement zone. This means fines for violations of the city’s municipal code, including the illegal discharge of fireworks, will be tripled. With thousands expected to flock to Santa Cruz from around the Bay Area this long weekend, here’s what you need to know about the fireworks laws ahead of July Fourth.
Fourth of July weekend is typically one of the busiest times of the year in Santa Cruz County, and this year should be no different. Thousands are expected to flock to the city from around the Bay Area to tan on the beach, participate in the annual Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run and watch the Fourth of July Parade in Seabright.
However, those who plan to come to the city to watch fireworks or wave sparklers on the beach are flat out of luck. The county has among the strictest fireworks laws in the state, enforcing a total ban on all fireworks, including on all beaches.
Here is everything you need to know about the fireworks laws in the county to stay safe from fines and fires this Independence Day:
Why are fireworks prohibited?
According to Chapter 7.92 of the Santa Cruz County Code, fireworks are prohibited because they can damage the environment, harm pets, cause fireworks-related injuries and spark wildfires.
What areas of the county have to adhere to the ban?
All types of fireworks are prohibited on California State Parks beaches. All cities in the county must adhere to the fireworks ban, as do the unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County such as Bonny Doon, Felton, Ben Lomond, Live Oak, Soquel, Aptos and Davenport, among others.
Capitola and Watsonville are the only cities in the county where any type of fireworks are allowed, in this case “safe and sane” fireworks. Watsonville will permit these fireworks from only July 1 through midnight on July 5, and according to the Capitola Police Department, Capitola will allow them only on private property.
What are “safe and sane” fireworks, and where can you purchase them?
They are state-approved fireworks that do not explode or leave the ground. Some examples include fountains, sparklers and pinwheels. Starting Wednesday, July 1, TNT Fireworks stands and tents will pop up in Watsonville, selling only state fire marshal-approved safe and sane fireworks. Fireworks that do not have the state marshal’s seal of approval are illegal.
What are some ways to prevent injuries and fires while using “safe and sane” fireworks?
Never use fireworks near dry grass or other flammable materials, light one firework at a time, keep a bucket of water and a hose nearby and sweep up all debris afterward to help keep trash out of storm drains.
What fines could you get for fireworks violations?
Starting Friday, July 3, at 8 a.m., the Santa Cruz Police Department will enforce a citywide safety enhancement zone until 8 a.m. July 7. This means fines for violations of the city’s municipal code, including the illegal discharge of fireworks, will be tripled. This can add up to a ticket as expensive as $1,000, and a possible arrest.
If you witness the use of illegal fireworks, whom can you contact to report it?
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line is 831-471‐1121; the Santa Cruz Police Department non-emergency line is 831-471-1131; Capitola PD non-emergency is 831-471-1141; Scotts Valley PD non-emergency is 831-440-5670, and Watsonville PD’s is 831-471-1151.
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