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 5th through July 5th. Additionally, it is illegal to discharge or use fireworks within the city limits of Lebanon between 10 AM and 10 PM. This restriction is applicable during the authorized time frame for fireworks usage. Reference Ordinance #25-7147 for additional regulations.
Fireworks Ordinance For Sales and Use
Fireworks 101
Tennessee has several laws concerning fireworks, covering age restrictions, permits, and the locations 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.
When is it legal to use fireworks?
- Public use of fireworks is only permitted from June 20th through July 5th between 10 AM to 10 PM within the City of Lebanon.
- State law prohibits the ignition of fireworks within 600 feet of any church, hospital, asylum, or public school, or within 200 feet from where fireworks are stored or sold.
When is it legal to buy or sell fireworks?
- In the City of Lebanon, TN, fireworks are only permitted to be sold within specific time frames: from June 20th to July 5th and from December 10th to January 2nd.
- Only D.O.T. Class C common fireworks, also known as “consumer fireworks”, are permitted for public sales and purchases. Vendors who intend to sell fireworks in the City of Lebanon, TN must obtain a permit before doing so.
Firework Permit Application Process
A permit is required to sell fireworks within the City of Lebanon, TN. If you wish to sell fireworks within the city, you are required to submit an application for a permit to the City of Lebanon Business Permitting Official. The application should be submitted at least five working days before the desired start date for sales. Please note: Permits are not transferable.
Firework Permits are calculated at a rate of $1 per square foot, with a minimum of $1200 per tent or structure, plus an additional $500 clean-up deposit fee for each location. Please note only CASH or CHECKS are acceptable payments.
The following information is required when applying for a fireworks permit:
A current copy of an approved application for a Seasonal Retailer Permit. This must be obtained through the State of Tennessee’s Fire Marshal’s Office: https://www.tn.gov/commerce/fire-prevention.html
- Application for Retail Sales of Fireworks in the City of Lebanon.
- Proof of Insurance (Required by the City of Lebanon)
- Site plan of the proposed location of the firework stand.
- Written and signed authorization from the property owner for use of the property.
After submitting your application, the Fire Inspector will contact you to schedule an inspection. Upon approval from the Fire Inspector for your fireworks tent, the Business Tax Office will be informed and will subsequently notify you regarding instructions for obtaining your fireworks permit.
The selling periods for Tennessee Fireworks are June 20th – July 5th and December 10th – January 2nd. Except as provided herein, a separate permit will be needed for each of the two separate date periods for which fireworks sales are permitted. If the fireworks sales are from a permanent building that meets zoning regulations for retail sales, a single annual permit may be used for both of the above date ranges.
For more information, please contact the Business Tax Office at 615-444-4905.