Can I set off fireworks in Baytown?
Short answer: No. Setting off fireworks without a permit is illegal inside Baytown city limits and within 5,000 feet outside them. There's no exception for the Fourth of July or New Year's Eve. The city code makes it unlawful, without a permit, to "ignite, detonate, cast, throw, discharge or explode any firecracker, torpedo, sky rocket, Roman candle or any other similar firework" anywhere in its jurisdiction, on land or water (Sec.
Can I set off fireworks in Baytown?
Layer twoWhat the code actually says, word for wordTap to open
"ignite, detonate, cast, throw, discharge or explode any firecracker, torpedo, sky rocket, Roman candle or any other similar firework"
Layer threeWho handles it: Baytown Fire Department, Fire Marshal's Office, for display permitsMap
Short answer: No. Setting off fireworks without a permit is illegal inside Baytown city limits and within 5,000 feet outside them. There's no exception for the Fourth of July or New Year's Eve.
The city rule
The city code makes it unlawful, without a permit, to "ignite, detonate, cast, throw, discharge or explode any firecracker, torpedo, sky rocket, Roman candle or any other similar firework" anywhere in its jurisdiction, on land or water (Sec. 38-193). Inside the city limits, it's also unlawful to make, store, sell, distribute or even possess fireworks (Sec. 38-192).
"Jurisdiction" means the city limits plus 5,000 feet beyond them (Sec. 38-191). So many homes just outside Baytown are covered by the ban on setting them off. The ban on selling and possessing them applies inside the city limits only.
The exceptions are fireworks displays, other pyrotechnic uses and controlled demolitions, each permitted by the Fire Chief (Sec. 38-194). That's why a permitted public display is legal and a backyard show isn't.
What happens if you don't
Violations are punished under the city's general penalty (Sec. 38-195 and Sec. 1-14). Fire-safety violations can be fined up to $2,000, and each day counts as a separate offense.
Farther out
More than 5,000 feet outside the city, Baytown's ban doesn't apply. State law still does: no fireworks within 600 feet of a church, hospital (other than a veterinary hospital), licensed child-care center or school, unless that place gives written permission; within 100 feet of a place where flammable liquids or compressed gases are stored and dispensed, such as a fuel station, or of a place where fireworks are stored or sold; or in or from a motor vehicle (Texas Occupations Code Sec. 2154.251). After a drought finding (a Keetch-Byram Drought Index of 575 or more), the commissioners court in Harris or Chambers County can restrict skyrockets with sticks and missiles with fins in the unincorporated part of the county (Texas Local Government Code Sec. 352.051). Check the county fire marshal before the holidays.
Who to call
Baytown Fire Department, Fire Marshal's Office, for display permits. Police for complaints. Outside the city: the Harris County or Chambers County fire marshal.
Sources
- City of Baytown Code of Ordinances, Sec. 38-191 to 38-195 (explosives and fireworks), Sec. 1-14 (penalty). library.municode.com/tx/baytown
- Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 2154; Texas Local Government Code, Sec. 352.051.
En español
Encender fuegos artificiales está prohibido dentro de Baytown y hasta 5,000 pies fuera de los límites de la ciudad, sin excepción para el 4 de julio ni Año Nuevo. Dentro de los límites de la ciudad también se prohíbe venderlos, guardarlos o tenerlos. Solo se permiten espectáculos y otros usos con permiso del jefe de bomberos. La multa puede llegar a 2,000 dólares por cada día. Más lejos, aplican las leyes del estado y las órdenes del condado.