How to get a fireworks permit in Austin, other things to know

While using or selling fireworks within the City of Austin is illegal, there are still options available to have a fireworks display, and the first thing required is a fireworks permit.

AUSTIN (KXAN) — While using or selling fireworks within the City of Austin is illegal, there are still options available to have a fireworks display, and the first thing required is a fireworks permit.

The permits, which cost $200, are issued by AFD Special Events and only if the necessary requirements are met. 

Requirements

According to the city, requests for aerial fireworks need to be submitted at least 30 days before the scheduled event, while requests for flame effects, open flame performances and other similar acts, need to be submitted at least 14 days before the scheduled event.

Once a permit is acquired, the following are also required for a fireworks display:

• Site plan of display grounds
• Copy of pyrotechnic operator license (commercial only)
• list of fireworks to be used & a Material Safety Data Sheet for each (commercial only)
• certificate of insurance (aerial displays)
  • minimum of $1,000,000 bodily injury/minimum of $500,000 property damage
  • City of Austin must be co-insured on policy
• certificate of insurance (non-aerial displays)
  • minimum of $500,000 bodily injury/minimum of $300,000 property damage
  • City of Austin must be co-insured on policy
• public display permit from the State Fire Marshal’s Office (commercial only)

“The public display must meet all State of Texas requirements as outlined in Article 5.43-4 Insurance Code and Firework rules,” the city said.

To report illegal fireworks, the city said to keep 911 lines open by calling non-emergency numbers. For the City of Austin, call 311, and to report incidents in Travis County, call 512-974-0845, Option 3.

The city said it was important to leave 911 available for true emergencies.

For a fireworks display permit, email afdspecialevents@austintexas.gov.

What’s allowed without a permit

The following items are not listed as common fireworks, and their use is allowed within city limits.

• Snake, GlowWorms – pyrotechnic that expands as it burns
• Smoke Device - pyrotechnic that produces white or colored smoke
• Wire Sparkler – pyrotechnic-coated wire that produces a shower of sparks
• Trick Noisemaker – items that produce a sound intended to surprise the user, which include:
  • Party Popper, Booby Trap, Snapper, Trick Match, Cigarette Load and Auto Burglar Alarm

“While no permit is required for the devices above, users should follow all of the Manufacturer’s safety, handling, and storage recommendations and these devices should always be used in a safe outdoor location,” the city said.