Pyrotechnics License
Table of Contents
Standards and Permit Procedures for:
Outdoor Firework Displays as Established in Section 15-4-550 of the Municipal Code of Chicago
I Display Criteria
A. Locations Where Permitted:
1. Display of fireworks in public parks or other public open spaces Section 15-20-240 of the Municipal Code of Chicago.
2. Display of fireworks on privately owned property as required in Section 15-4-550 of the Municipal Code of Chicago.
B. Display Prohibited
1. No fireworks display shall be permitted between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
II Permit Procedure
A. Submit to the Bureau of Fire Prevention the Following:
1. Proof of compliance with all provisions of the Illinois Pyrotechnic Operators Licensing Act, as amended; proof of compliance with Illinois Fireworks Use Act, as amended, per Section 15-4-550 of the Chicago Municipal Code. (Web site: state.il.us/osfm)
2. Explosive license as required by Section 15-4-310 of the Chicago Municipal Code. New applicants are to apply to the Director of Business Affairs and Licensing. (Web site: cityofchicago.org)
3. Certificate of Fitness for the individual(s) involved with the display as per Section 15-4-340 of the Chicago Municipal Code. New applicants are to apply to the Bureau of Fire Prevention. A fee of $50.00 per person is required.
4. A letter of consent from the owner of the property allowing the fireworks display.
5. A letter of consent from the alderman in whose ward the fireworks display will take place.
6. A certificate of insurance in the amount not less than $1,000,000 issued by an insurer authorized to insure risks in Illinois. The City of Chicago and its officers and employees shall be named as additional insured. This Certificate of Insurance shall be approved by the Department of Finance, Risk Management Division of the City of Chicago.
7. A plan consistent with the principles set fourth in NFPA 1123, to the Deputy Fire Commissioner of the Bureau of Fire Prevention. This plan shall include the dimensions of the discharge site, spectator viewing area, parking areas, fall out area and associated separation distances.
B. Schedule an on-site inspection, which shall be conducted by the Deputy Fire Commissioner of the Bureau of Fire Prevention or his designee, to obtain approval or modifications of the proposed site and display consistent with the principals set fourth in NFPA 1123.
** In no case shall any display of fireworks be conducted unless the site meets the safety standards set fourth by the Fire Department**
C. Proof of a liquor license is required if the proposed location for the display is to take place on the premises that sell alcoholic beverages for consumption.
D. Permit application will be reviewed providing all the above information has been submitted along with a valid payment receipt attached to the Point of Sale Invoice [POS]. Complete the POS invoice, then remit payment of $200.00 per display at any City of Chicago payment site and obtain a valid payment receipt attached to the POS invoice. To locate City of Chicago payment locations go to a City of Chicago Payment Site.
Indoor Pyrotechnics and Special Effects as Established in Section 15-4-550
I Occupancy Criteria
A.Occupancies Permitted:
1.Theaters with an approved Type I Stage as required in Section 13-84-080, 13-84-110, 15-16-090 of the Municipal Code of Chicago.
2. Public Assembly Occupancies (non-theater) with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed throughout.
B. Occupancies Prohibited:
1. Mixed occupancies such as buildings having both theater and residential occupancy; i.e., hotels, even if the building has an automatic fire sprinkler system.
II Permit Procedure
A. Submit to the Bureau of Fire Prevention the Following:
1. Proof of compliance with all provisions of the Illinois Pyrotechnic Operators Licensing Act, as amended; proof of compliance with the Illinois Fireworks Use Act, as amended, per Section 15-4-550 of the Chicago Municipal Code. (Web site: state.il.us/osfm)
2. Explosive license as required by Section 15-4-310 of the Chicago Municipal Code. New applicants are to apply to the Director of Business Affairs and Licensing. (Web site: www.chicago.gov)
3. Certificate of Fitness for the individual(s) involved with the display as per Section 15-4-340 of the Chicago Municipal Code. New applicants are to apply to the Bureau of Fire Prevention. A fee of $50.00 per person is required.
4. A letter of consent from the owner of the property allowing the fireworks display.
5. A letter of consent from the alderman in whose ward the fireworks display will take place.
6. A certificate of insurance in the amount not less than $1,000,000 issued by an insurer authorized to insure risks in Illinois. The City of Chicago and its officers and employees shall be named as additional insured. This Certificate of Insurance shall be approved by the Department of Finance, Risk Management Division of the City of Chicago.
7. Written plan and drawing of the pyrotechnic display, consistent with the principals set fourth in NFPA 1126, to the Deputy Fire Commissioner of the Bureau of Fire Prevention.
B.Schedule an on-site inspection, which shall be conducted by the Deputy Fire Commissioner of the Bureau of Fire Prevention or his designee, to obtain approval or modifications of the proposed site and display consistent with the principals set fourth in NFPA 1126.
C. Permit application will be reviewed providing all the above information has been submitted along with a valid payment receipt attached to the POS invoice. Download the Point of Sale Invoice [POS]. Complete the POS invoice, then remit payment of $200.00 per display at any City of Chicago payment site and obtain a valid payment receipt attached to the POS invoice. To locate City of Chicago payment locations go to a City of Chicago Payment Site.
III On Site Procedures and Precautions
A. Licensing of Indoor Pyrotechnic/Special Effects Shall be Conditional Upon Meeting the Following Criteria:
1. All pyrotechnic materials and devices shall be stored in an approved magazine designed for this type of product and shall be locked in a secured room.
2.Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) shall be secured on the site for review by the Bureau of Fire Prevention upon request.
3. Certificates for treated flame retardant sets and scenery shall be made available for review by the Bureau of Fire Prevention.
4. The bypassing of any fire detection, suppression system or any portion of these systems shall be prohibited.
**The Deputy Commissioner may impose additional specific conditions related to unique conditions of the property where indoor display is proposed.**