Firework Ordinance & Permits
City of Lebanon Firework Ordinance
The City of Lebanon, Tennessee has recently amended the ordinance in place that specifically regulates the sales and use of consumer-grade fireworks. To ensure compliance with this ordinance, it is important for individuals and businesses to carefully review the City of Lebanon’s Fireworks Ordinance for Sales and Use of Fireworks.
Ordinance Amended Effective January 2025: It is unlawful for anyone to sell or use fireworks within the City of Lebanon with the exception of June 20th through July 5th. Additionally, it is illegal to discharge or use fireworks within the city limits of Lebanon between 10 PM and 10 AM. This restriction is applicable during the authorized time frame for fireworks usage. Reference Ordinance #25-7147 for additional regulations.
Fireworks 101
Tennessee has several laws concerning fireworks, covering age restrictions, permits, dates, times, and locations of where fireworks are permitted for purchase and use. In addition to statewide regulations, local municipalities have the authority to establish ordinances determining whether consumer fireworks are permitted or prohibited within city limits.
Unlawful Sale and Use of Fireworks
It shall be unlawful to offer for sale or to sell any fireworks to children under the age of eighteen (18) years. Advisory signs shall be posted in plain view regarding minimum age to purchase fireworks. OR to purchase any Class C common fireworks, a person must be at least sixteen (16) years of age. Any person sixteen (16) or seventeen (17) years of age who wishes to purchase Class C common fireworks must provide proof of age to the retailer or seasonal retailer by presenting a state-issued photo identification or be accompanied by an adult. It is unlawful to offer for retail sale or to sell any Class C common fireworks to any person under sixteen (16) years of age or to any intoxicated or irresponsible person.
When is it legal to purchase and use fireworks in the City of Lebanon?
In the City of Lebanon, fireworks are available for purchase from June 20 to July 5. The use or discharge of fireworks is allowed only between July 1 and July 5, from 10 AM to 10 PM.
It shall be unlawful to give fireworks to a person under 18 years of age; provided, however, this provision shall not apply to a parent who supervises the use of fireworks of their minor children.
- It shall be unlawful for anyone to sell fireworks in the City of Lebanon under a seasonal retailer permit except June 20 through July 5.
- It shall be unlawful for anyone to use fireworks in the City of Lebanon except July 1 through July 5 OR except under a special event permit issued pursuant to LMC section 7-112(K).
- It shall be unlawful to discharge or use fireworks in the City of Lebanon between the hours of 10 PM and 10 AM.
Igniting fireworks in specific areas is prohibited by law.
- It shall be unlawful to explode or ignite fireworks within 600 feet of any church, hospital, funeral home, public or private school, or within 200 feet of where fireworks are stored, sold, or offered for sale. No person shall ignite or discharge any permissible articles of fireworks within or throw the same from a motor vehicle while within, nor shall any person place, shoot, or throw any ignited article of fireworks into or at such a motor vehicle, home, or at or near any person or group of persons.
- It shall be unlawful for a user of fireworks to ignite fireworks on another person’s private property unless permission is obtained from the owner or occupant of the property. Fireworks shall not be launched or fired onto the property of persons who have not given permission.
- It shall be unlawful for fireworks to be used at times, places, or in any manner, which adversely affect other persons.
Firework Permit Application Process
Firework Permits
Firework Permits are calculated at a rate of $1 per square foot, (A minimum of 1200 square feet per tent or structure) plus an additional refundable $500 clean-up deposit fee for each location. Please note only CASH or CHECKS are acceptable payments.
To apply for a Firework Permit you must have: Copy of Current approved application for Seasonal Retailer Permit (from the State of Tennessee’s Fire Marshal’s Office), Copy of Application for Retail Sales of Fireworks in the City of Lebanon, Copy of Proof of Insurance (required by the City of Lebanon), a site plan of the proposed location of the firework stand, and Written and signed authorization from the owner for the use of the property.
Once you have turned in your application, the Fire Inspector will contact you to set up a time for the inspection. Once the Fire inspector has approved your fireworks tent, the Business Tax Office will be notified and will notify the applicant when they can pick up their Fireworks permit.
Per Ordinance No. 25-7147, the City of Lebanon only allows fireworks to be sold during June 20th – July 5th.
For more information, please contact the Business Tax Office at 615-444-4905.