Fireworks Events

Two permits may be required to hold an event with a fireworks display:

• The event organizer needs a Fireworks Event Permit
• The pyrotechnics company needs a Fireworks Shooter Permit

Exception: A Fireworks Event Permit is not required for Pyrotechnics Special Effects, Flame Effects, and Fire Performance Art. This type of show is usually indoors, such as shows at the Kohl Center and Overture Center.

Fireworks Event Permit

The event organizer must apply for a Fireworks Event Permit at least 60 days before the event.

Your application must include:

• Fireworks event application
• $250 permit fee
• General summary of the proposed fireworks event and public display.
• Written permission from the property owner, an approved Street Use Permit, or an explanation why neither are necessary.
• Site plan that includes:
  • Firing area
  • Distance between the audience and the fallout area
  • Buildings, waterways, roads, paths, and other features within 500 feet of the firing area
  • Any other special conditions
• Security plan for the security of the fireworks from delivery on site, to removal after the event. Include contact information for the parties responsible for security.
• Preliminary clean-up plan, as described in MGO 34.5608(5)(c)4.
• Certificate of Insurance naming the City of Madison as an additional insured. The certificate must indemnify the City and have a minimum amount of $1,000,000. The City may require additional coverage based on risk.
  • Certificate Holder:
    City of Madison
    ATTN: Risk Management, Rm 406
    210 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
    Madison, WI 53703

A separate application, fee, and permit is required for each event. Exception: Multiple identical shows at a single venue only require one permit application.

Notifications

At least 30 days before the event, the event organizer must notify:

• Mayor's Office
• Alders within 2 miles of the fireworks display
• Neighbors and neighborhood associations (recommended)

Use page 3 of the application form to send this notification.

Failure to submit this form is cause for the permit to not be issued or revoked if previously approved. Notifying the Mayor, Alders, or neighbors does not constitute approval of either the Event Permit, or the Shooter's Permit by the MFD. Approval shall be granted only upon receipt and review of all required documentation.

Fireworks Shooter Permit

The pyrotechnics company must apply for a Fireworks Shooter Permit at least 30 days before the event.

Your application must include:

• Fireworks shooter application
• $250 permit fee
• General summary of the proposed public display.
• Site plan that includes:
  • Firing area
  • Distance between the audience and the fallout area
  • Buildings, waterways, roads, paths, and other features within 500 feet of the firing area
  • Any other special conditions
• Event conditions, as described in MGO 34.5608(6)(c)10, including:
  • The number and kinds of fireworks which will be fired as part of the permitted event.
  • The net weight of explosives in the public display.
  • A list of all the chemicals in the fireworks that will be used as part of the public display.
  • The location where the fireworks will be stored prior to the public display.
• Resumé detailing the applicant's experience in conducting public displays of fireworks.
• Copies of valid ATF or US DOT licenses allowing the applicant to transport and handle the fireworks that will be used as part of the public display.
• Certificate of Insurance naming the City of Madison as an additional insured. The certificate must indemnify the City and have a minimum amount of $1,000,000. The City may require additional coverage based on risk.
  • Certificate Holder:
    City of Madison
    ATTN: Risk Management, Rm 406
    210 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
    Madison, WI 53703

Permit Requirements

The permit holders are responsible for complying with all applicable codes and standards. These requirements are found in:

• MGO 34.5608
• IFC 5608
• NFPA 160, 1123, 1126

If the permit holder uses or displays fireworks contrary to the permit conditions, the permit will be revoked, and the permittee may not apply for a new permit for a minimum of 15 months.

The Chief may impose special conditions on a permit as deemed appropriate under the circumstances of the planned fireworks event.