City to Strenthen Illegal Fireworks Ordinance

The Oceanside City Council voted 5-0 on May 6, 2026, to adopt an Illegal Fireworks Abatement Ordinance, adding a new enforcement framework to the City's existing ban. The ordinance establishes tiered administrative fines, cost recovery for emergency response, and a coordinated drone-and-ground patrol program targeting peak fireworks periods. The City Council must review the ordinance again at a second reading, and if adopted, it would take effect June 19, 2026.

Personal use of fireworks is illegal in San Diego County because each year severe injuries and costly property loss from fires occur.

Under the new ordinance, illegal firework activity is declared a public nuisance subject to administrative enforcement. Violators can face:

• First violation: $1,000
• Second violation within one year: $2,500
• Each additional violation within one year: $5,000
• Maximum per property per calendar year: $10,000

Property owners and hosts who knowingly allow or promote illegal fireworks use on their property would also be subject to these penalties. Unpaid fines can be placed as liens on property and collected through the tax roll. The City may also recover the costs of any fireworks-related emergency response.

During the first 12 months following the ordinance's effective date, penalties will be reduced by 50% as residents become familiar with the new rules.