Fireworks

Use and Handling Consumer Fireworks

Under Georgia law, it is lawful for any person 18 years of age or older to posses, use or ignite consumer fireworks (DOT 1.4G).

  • It is illegal in Georgia to sell, purchase, or release a "sky-lantern" or "floating-lantern" into the air or waterways of the state.
  • Property damage and/or injury caused by intentional misuse or negligence may be investigated as a criminal offense. 
  • While under the influence of alcohol or any drug or any combination of alcohol and any drug, firework use in prohibited.


What Days & Times?

  • On any day beginning at 10:00 A.M. then up to and including the ending time of 11:59 P.M.
  • On January 1 of each year beginning at 12:00 Midnight then up to and including the ending time of 1:00 A.M.

What Locations Are Prohibited?

  • Fireworks cannot be ignited from the roadway or any public rights of way
  • Fireworks cannot be used in any park, historic sites, recreational areas, or any other property owned by or operated by, for, or under the custody of a governing authority of a county or municipality, except pursuant to a special use permit
  • Firework use is prohibited within 100 yards of a hospital, nursing home, or other health facility regulated under Chapter 7 of Title 31 of Georgia Code.
  • Firework use is prohibited within 100 yards of the following.
    • Any public or private electric substation.
    • Electric Plant
    • Facility engaged in the production, refining, processing, or blending of any flammable or combustible liquids or gases.
    • Facility engaged in the retail sale of gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids or gases where the volume stored is in excess of 500 gallons.
    • Waste-Water Treatment Plant
    • Water Treatment Plant
    • Airport/Heliport

Permitting

  • PUBLIC EXHIBITION OR DISPLAY OF FIREWORKS: the use of pyrotechnics, display fireworks, consumer fireworks, or any combination of these for any purpose relating to the amusement or entertainment of the public that does not occur within a building or structure or before a proximate audience; provided that such term shall not include the private, personal use of consumer fireworks by the public. 
  • Any exhibition or display, other than personal use on private property, contracted or advertised shall constitute a public display, and is subject to the statutory regulations contained in Title 25, Chapter 10 of Georgia Code, including the obligation to obtain a permit.
  • Public exhibitions/displays of fireworks, proximate audience pyrotechnics, and special effects occurring within the city limits of Marietta, require a permit from the Marietta Fire Department's Fire Marshal's Office.  Application for a permit must be made at least 10-days prior to the proposed date of the event.  Applications can be easily filed through Marietta's SagesGov application and permitting platform.


What About a Noise Ordinance?


  • Marietta Code 10-6-050(H):
    • From 11:00 P.M. until 7:00 A.M. - Residential, commercial or business, public space, institutional, or noise sensitive facility
      • 75 dBA measured from the complainant's property line