TO: PUBLIC SAFETY, FINANCE,
AND STRATEGIC SUPPORT
COMMITTEE
FROM: Robert Sapien, Jr.
Paul Joseph
Chris Burton
Khaled Tawfik
Matt Loesch
SUBJECT: Fireworks Ordinance Work
Plan Status Report
DATE: July 30, 2026
Approved Date:
RECOMMENDATION
Accept the status report on the implementation of the Fireworks Ordinance Work Plan.
BACKGROUND
In 1984, the City Council amended the San José Municipal Code to prohibit all fireworks, including “safe and sane” varieties, except for controlled public fireworks displays conducted by licensed pyrotechnicians and authorized through permits issued by the Fire Department.
In August 2014, in response to a rise in noise and safety complaints from residents, the City Council directed the City Manager to revise the City’s fireworks enforcement approach. Both the Fire Department and the Police Department were tasked with identifying enforcement mechanisms to deter and ultimately reduce the illegal sale, use, possession, and storage of fireworks.
Subsequently, in June 2015, the City Council directed the City Manager to develop a framework for citing, fining, and adjudicating violations related to the use, possession, sale, advertisement, transportation, and manufacturing of fireworks. City staff were also directed to evaluate the use of administrative citations and criminal penalties as enforcement tools under the City’s fireworks policy.
On April 12, 2016, the City Council adopted an ordinance amending Section 10.17 of the San José Municipal Code to explicitly prohibit the sale, use, possession, and COMMITTEE AGENDA: 8/20/26
ITEM: (d)3
July 30, 2026
PUBLIC SAFETY, FINANCE AND STRATEGIC SUPPORT COMMITTEE
August 20, 2026
Subject: Fireworks Ordinance Work Plan Status Report
storage of fireworks, and to establish civil liability under specific circumstances for individuals responsible for minors who violate the ordinance.
To support these efforts, the City Council established administrative fines for fireworksrelated violations. City staff then implemented the Fireworks Ordinance Work Plan, with objectives focused on public education and outreach, reporting enhancements, and enforcement strategies to reduce illegal fireworks-related injuries and fires, increase the number of actionable reports, and mitigate activity in identified hotspots.
Fireworks Ordinance Work Plan
As part of the Fireworks Ordinance Work Plan, City staff implemented a range of strategies to reduce the use of illegal fireworks and raise public awareness of their associated dangers. These efforts included the development of a comprehensive marketing and outreach campaign, the launch of an online community fireworks reporting tool, the establishment of a dedicated phone line for reporting support, the implementation of enhanced enforcement and mitigation strategies, and regular updates to the Public Safety, Finance, and Strategic Support (PSFSS) Committee. These initiatives involved close coordination among multiple departments, including the City Attorney’s Office, City Manager’s Office, Fire Department, Information Technology Department, Planning, Building and Code Enforcement Department (PBCE), and Police Department.
In 2019, the City’s community outreach and messaging efforts were significantly expanded to strengthen awareness of the dangers associated with illegal fireworks.
New elements included the “Fed Up with Fireworks” banner displayed at all 34 City fire stations, the distribution of outreach toolkits featuring campaign messaging to the Mayor’s Office, City Council Offices, and community organizations, and the usage of school electronic billboards. Additionally, the PBCE Code Enforcement Division conducted its first customer survey targeting users of the online reporting tool, yielding valuable insights into residents’ experiences. The Code Enforcement Division further implemented timely follow-up with individuals whose reports led to the issuance of warning notices or administrative citations.
On October 27, 2020, the City Council directed the City Manager to implement several new action items under the Fireworks Ordinance Work Plan. Subsequently, on August 17, 2023, the PSFSS Committee requested staff to include illegal fireworks activities associated with the Lunar New Year (Tết) reporting period.
The status of each work plan item is outlined in Attachment A, “Fireworks Ordinance Work Plan Items.” A detailed timeline of the City’s policy and enforcement actions on illegal fireworks is also provided in Attachment B, “Illegal Fireworks Activities Timeline.” Attachment C, “Lunar New Year (Tết) Summary,” further demonstrates corresponding data for the Lunar New Year (Tết). Lastly, Attachment D, “Fourth of July Summary,”
PUBLIC SAFETY, FINANCE AND STRATEGIC SUPPORT COMMITTEE
August 20, 2026
Subject: Fireworks Ordinance Work Plan Status Report
presents a summary of data in relation to enforcement and regulatory efforts related to the Fourth of July.
ANALYSIS
This memorandum provides an update on the implementation of action items under the Fireworks Ordinance Work Plan. It outlines the City’s efforts to mitigate the use of illegal fireworks during calendar year 2026, specifically related to the Lunar New Year (Tết) and the Fourth of July holidays.
The Fireworks Ordinance Work Plan Team includes representatives from the Fire Department, City Attorney’s Office, Information Technology Department, PBCE, and the Police Department. For Fourth of July 2026, the Team expanded to include the Animal Care Services Division of the Public Works Department1. All departments coordinated closely to plan, implement, and evaluate the activities described below. 2026 Lunar New Year (Tết) and Fourth of July Holiday Reporting Periods The illegal fireworks reporting period for the 2026 Lunar New Year (Tết) holiday spanned from February 13, 2026, through February 23, 2026. This timeframe was established to encompass both the weekend preceding the holiday (February 17, 2026) and the weekend after.
For the Fourth of July holiday, the reporting period spanned from June 1 through July 6, 2026. This standard reporting window was utilized by all participating departments involved in the enforcement and mitigation of illegal fireworks. The Fire Department, Police Department, and PBCE Code Enforcement Division use this timeframe to accurately capture data related to fire incidents and enforcement actions. A summary and analysis of the efforts by City staff during these periods is provided below.
Fire Department
The Department focused its outreach on raising public awareness of the risks associated with illegal fireworks and educating the community on how to report such activity via the San José 311 (SJ311) online portal and mobile application. The messaging emphasized the significant threat illegal fireworks pose to people, property, and the environment, particularly during wildfire season. As part of its commitment to equity and accessibility, the Department developed and distributed multilingual safety and educational materials, including videos, graphics, and messaging designed to reach diverse audiences in the community. These materials were made available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese. A fireworks safety messaging toolkit was then 1 As of August 1, 2026 Animal Care Services is part of the Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Services Department.
PUBLIC SAFETY, FINANCE AND STRATEGIC SUPPORT COMMITTEE
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Subject: Fireworks Ordinance Work Plan Status Report
distributed to stakeholder groups, including the City Council, school districts, the AllDistrict Leadership Group, and neighborhood associations.
Fire agencies throughout Santa Clara County collaborated on a regional campaign to reinforce the message that fireworks are illegal, hazardous, and can lead to preventable injuries and fires. Co-branded social media graphics were also distributed to inform residents about the locations of professional fireworks displays and drone shows throughout the county, encouraging the public to attend these sanctioned events rather than engage in illegal activity.
The Department further expanded its efforts through targeted, data-informed social media advertising campaigns. Using SJ311 fireworks hotspot data from the previous 2025 Fourth of July reporting period, the Fire Department identified neighborhoods with elevated levels of illegal fireworks activity. Multilingual digital and social media advertisements were deployed citywide, with a particular focus on areas with high incidence rates. One social media advertisement announced a new drone-based enforcement tactic in a joint message from the Police and Fire Departments. Public awareness was also promoted through strategically placed billboards, banners, and bus shelter signage in identified hotspots, as well as more than 60 advertisements on KYLD
94.9 FM and flyers distributed at all libraries and community centers throughout San José.
In advance of the Fourth of July holiday, the Fire Department, in collaboration with the City Manager’s Office, the Mayor’s Office, the Office of District 8 Councilmember Domingo Candelas, and the Police Department, convened a press conference at Lake Cunningham Regional Park. The event reinforced safety messaging about fireworks, reminded residents that all fireworks are illegal, promoted the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) enforcement tool, and encouraged attendance at permitted professional shows.
During the 2026 Fourth of July reporting period (June 1st – July 6th), the Fire Department responded to 69 fireworks-related incidents, including 10 vegetation fires, 26 outside rubbish fires, 17 smoke/noise/investigation complaints, 15 medical emergencies linked to illegal fireworks, and one vehicle fire. Fire Communications dispatch received 10,931 calls for service during the reporting period. Notably, 343 calls were received on the Fourth of July (July 4, 2026), representing a 10% increase over the average for this timeframe.
These responses occurred during periods of increased community activity, as reflected in higher call volumes during the Lunar New Year (Tết) and Fourth of July holidays. The rise in demand underscores the importance of proactive planning, effective public outreach, and resource allocation to support community safety during periods of high activity. The data also highlights the value of ongoing partnerships between public safety agencies and community members to reduce risks and help ensure these celebrations remain safe and enjoyable.
PUBLIC SAFETY, FINANCE AND STRATEGIC SUPPORT COMMITTEE
August 20, 2026
Subject: Fireworks Ordinance Work Plan Status Report
Police Department
The Police Department continued its coordinated approach to addressing illegal fireworks. Building on lessons learned from the prior year’s UAV pilot program, the Department, in collaboration with the Fire Department, developed a formal operating plan and standard operating procedures for using UAVs to observe and document illegal fireworks activity. The plan supported enforcement under the City’s social host ordinance for the 2026 Fourth of July Holiday.
The deployment used data-driven modeling to select five fire stations as UAV launch and staging locations based on proximity to areas with historically high levels of illegal fireworks activity (Hotspots). Hotspots were identified using data from the Police Department, Fire Department, PBCE, and SJ311. Deployment decisions were based on this combined data rather than SJ311 resident reporting alone.
In 2025, UAV teams were deployed in the days leading up to the Fourth of July. These efforts yielded limited enforceable evidence because fireworks activity was generally sporadic and brief. For the 2026 UAV operation, deployment timing was adjusted to concentrate all available UAV resources on the evening of the Fourth of July Holiday, when activity was determined to be more sustained. This focused approach proved more effective. The operation included a dedicated Police Department supervisor, seven Police Department UAV operators, and three Code Enforcement Inspectors.
Fire stations served as safe, stable launch locations, provided access to electrical outlets for charging equipment, and were strategically positioned to cover identified hotspots. The Police Department coordinated with Fire Department personnel before the operation to address access, parking, staging, and other logistical needs. Direct participation by PBCE inspectors at the fire station deployment sites was a significant improvement this year. In the previous pilot year, enforcement referrals were significantly delayed while officers completed reports and evidence was approved for forwarding to Code Enforcement. This year, inspectors communicated directly with drone operators during the operation, allowing them to confirm locations, identify any additional information needed, and prepare cases for later administrative enforcement more efficiently. It also allowed Police Department personnel to focus on locating and documenting illegal fireworks activity while Code Enforcement personnel addressed the administrative citation process.
In addition to the citywide UAV deployment, the Police Department conducted a coordinated enforcement operation in Alviso, an area that has historically experienced significant illegal fireworks activity during the Fourth of July Holiday. Personnel from Patrol, Special Operations, the Fire Department’s Bureau of Fire Prevention, and Code Enforcement worked together to establish a safety corridor into Alviso for emergency vehicle access while maintaining a safe environment for residents and emergency responders. The operation also included a probation search of a known subject associated with the illegal fireworks activity that resulted in an arrest for a probationrelated violation.
PUBLIC SAFETY, FINANCE AND STRATEGIC SUPPORT COMMITTEE
August 20, 2026
Subject: Fireworks Ordinance Work Plan Status Report
The 2026 operation demonstrated that concentrating UAV resources on the Fourth of July, using data to select deployment locations, and embedding Code Enforcement personnel with the operation can improve the City’s ability to document and address illegal fireworks activity.
Planning, Building and Code Enforcement Department
The PBCE Code Enforcement Division continued its year-round review of all registered users and anonymous reports submitted through the SJ311 online reporting tool to determine the appropriate enforcement action, including issuance of warning notices, administrative citations, or designation as hotspot data.
As noted above, for the 2026 Fourth of July Holiday, Code Enforcement deployed three Code Enforcement Inspectors as part of the Police Department's UAV team. This partnership allowed inspectors to observe and document illegal fireworks activity in real time, improving incident verification, coordination, and the administrative citation process.
During the 2026 Fourth of July reporting period, the Code Enforcement Division received 522 reports through the SJ311 online reporting system. Staff has completed reviews of the majority of these reports, resulting in two citations, 80 warning notices, and 440 hotspot data reports to date. Warning notices or administrative citations are issued when reports contain sufficient evidence of illegal fireworks activity and identify a responsible party. Reports that do not meet the evidentiary threshold for enforcement but identify the location of illegal fireworks activity are retained as hotspot data to support future enforcement planning and deployment. Reports that may warrant administrative citations remain under review as additional video evidence from the Police Department's UAV team is received and evaluated.
Individuals who submitted reports through the SJ311 platform and provided contact information received automated email notifications about the status and outcome of their report.
Information Technology Department
The Information Technology Department's SJ311 team continues to support the City's efforts to reduce illegal fireworks through its dedicated online reporting service.
Residents may submit reports either anonymously or via a registered account. While anonymous reports help identify illegal fireworks hotspots for future education and enforcement, only those submitted through a registered account are eligible for administrative enforcement.
The public-facing dashboard provides transparency by displaying report trends, hotspot activity, and enforcement outcomes for each City Council district and neighborhood, while protecting residents' privacy. City staff can use an internal hotspot dashboard with
PUBLIC SAFETY, FINANCE AND STRATEGIC SUPPORT COMMITTEE
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Subject: Fireworks Ordinance Work Plan Status Report
detailed location information that refreshes every five minutes to support targeted enforcement, more effective resource deployment, and the identification of emerging hotspots during peak reporting periods.
During the Fourth of July reporting period (June 1 through July 6, 2026), 522 Illegal Fireworks reports were received through the SJ311 online reporting system.
The Illegal Fireworks team evaluated the customer service survey to identify improvements to the online SJ311 reporting experience. This provided clearer expectations for residents, increased the quality of evidence submitted, and identified several enhancements that were implemented prior to the Fourth of July Holiday. Here is a list of the items that were modified:
Pre-report information: A new informational model was added before the reporting form to clearly communicate that: (1) SJ311 is a non-emergency reporting service and does not result in the immediate dispatch of police or fire personnel; (2) reports are typically reviewed within 3–4 weeks; and (3) enforcement action requires the reporting resident to be logged into their account and submit photo or video evidence. Residents must acknowledge this information before proceeding.
Enhanced disclaimer acknowledgments: The disclaimer screen was redesigned to require residents to actively acknowledge key reporting conditions by selecting required checkboxes before continuing. Previously, this information was presented only as informational text and could be easily overlooked. The updated design improves visibility and reinforces important reporting expectations.
Improved evidence submission: The previous combined "Photo or Video" upload field has been split into two distinct required questions, each with its own upload process and example images. This change provides clearer guidance, simplifies the submission process, and improves the quality and consistency of evidence received. In addition, the enforcement language was revised from "will be used" to "may be used" to more accurately reflect how submitted photos and videos may be utilized.
Final acknowledgment improvements: The final acknowledgment section was updated to require residents to confirm their understanding of key conditions related to emergency response, confidentiality, and the potential for follow-up by City staff before submitting a report.
Updated service expectations: The confirmation (thank-you) screen and confirmation email were updated to reflect the revised review timeline of up to four weeks, replacing the previous two-week estimate. This provides residents with more accurate expectations and helps reduce inquiries regarding report status.
The dedicated Illegal Fireworks Hotline (408-535-5600) provides recorded instructions directing callers to the SJ311 online reporting services. Residents can also report illegal
PUBLIC SAFETY, FINANCE AND STRATEGIC SUPPORT COMMITTEE
August 20, 2026
Subject: Fireworks Ordinance Work Plan Status Report
fireworks by speaking with a customer service representative. Depending on the situation, callers will be directed to 9-1-1 for life-safety emergencies, to SJ311 staff during regular business hours for non-emergencies, or to an after-hours call center that follows SJ311 protocols and escalates cases when necessary. During the Fourth of July reporting period, June 1 through July 6, 2026, there were 139 calls received on the fireworks hotline, of which 52 calls were then transferred to the after-hours answering service for additional support.
Public Works Animal Care Services
San José Animal Care and Services (ACS) Division has long recognized the significant impacts that Fourth of July fireworks have on household pets, particularly dogs. As part of its annual holiday operations, ACS implements additional staffing and public outreach efforts to promote both public safety and animal welfare.
Fireworks can cause significant stress and fear in animals due to their heightened sense of hearing. Frightened pets may flee their homes or yards, increasing the risk of injury, becoming lost, or creating public safety concerns.
To reduce these risks, ACS conducts targeted public education encouraging pet owners to ensure their pets are licensed, wear current identification tags, and are microchipped to improve the chances of reunification if they become lost. During fireworks events, residents are advised to keep pets indoors in a secure environment with doors and windows closed to prevent escapes and to consult their veterinarian about options to help reduce their pet's anxiety and stress.
During the 2026 Fourth of July Holiday period, ACS assigned one additional Animal Control Officer on overtime, in addition to the regularly scheduled overnight officer, to respond to emergency incidents.
From July 4th – 6th, 2026, Animal Care and Services (ACS) responded to seven emergency incidents involving stray or displaced dogs that required Animal Control Officers to assist first responders. These incidents included two dogs struck by vehicles, four involving aggressive dogs, and one involving a stray or roaming dog. During the same three-day period, ACS received 19 reports of stray dogs.
These statistics demonstrate the continued impact of illegal fireworks on animal displacement and emergency response demands in the days immediately following the Fourth of July. While ACS does not have complete data for animals brought directly to the shelter by members of the public during this reporting period, the available response data indicates that illegal fireworks continue to generate increased calls for service and place additional demands on animal care resources.
PUBLIC SAFETY, FINANCE AND STRATEGIC SUPPORT COMMITTEE
August 20, 2026
Subject: Fireworks Ordinance Work Plan Status Report
Next Steps
The 2026 fireworks campaign was strategically developed by building upon the accomplishments and insights gained from prior years. Continued evaluation of recent efforts has demonstrated the critical components of a successful campaign, most notably, proactive public education and outreach, timely reporting mechanisms, and effective enforcement strategies.
City staff will continue to evaluate and enhance our education and enforcement strategies, with particular attention to the following key areas for 2027:
• Continue to pursue grants to assist with funding the illegal fireworks campaign • Reinforcement of early outreach and education efforts in spring 2027 • Continued refinement and implementation of the UAV enforcement program in conjunction with the Social Host Ordinance.
• Continued evaluation of fine amount for the sale, procession, use, and spectators of illegal fireworks to determine if fines should be increased as an effective deterrent.
COORDINATION
This memorandum was coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office, the City Manager’s Budget Office, and the City Manager’s Office of Communications.
ROBERT SAPIEN, JR. PAUL JOSEPH
Fire Chief, Fire Department Chief of Police, Police Department
CHRIS BURTON KHALED TAWFIK
Director, Planning, Building Chief Information Officer, and Code Enforcement Department Information Technology Department
PUBLIC SAFETY, FINANCE AND STRATEGIC SUPPORT COMMITTEE
August 20, 2026
Subject: Fireworks Ordinance Work Plan Status Report
MATTHEW LOESCH
Director, Public Works Department
For questions, please contact Greg Tuyor, Deputy Fire Chief/Fire Marshal, at [email protected] or (408) 535-7794.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Fireworks Ordinance Work Plan Items
Attachment B: Illegal Activities Fireworks Timeline
Attachment C: Lunar New Year (Tết) Summary
Attachment D: Fourth of July Summary
1 Attachment A: Fireworks Ordinance Work Plan Items
1. Create a Social Host Ordinance update to the existing Fireworks Ordinance to evaluate the feasibility of integrating the online reporting tool into the San José 311 application to enhance accessibility for mobile platform users and increase actionable reports.
Status: Completed. The Ordinance update was implemented in June 2021, and City staff created the San José 311 Report and Digital Strategy work plan. Illegal Fireworks services went live on the San José 311 online portal and mobile application in June 2022. Anonymous report intake with data-driven Hotspot mapping went live in December 2022.
2. Return to City Council before the end of 2020 with a list of recommended applications to be included in the next San José 311 upgrade, describing any additional resources required.
Status: Completed. This direction was accomplished through the San José 311 Report and Digital Strategy Roadmap item presented at the January 5, 2021, City Council Meeting.
3. Reinstate the Fireworks Ordinance Work Plan in the Public Safety, Finance, and Strategic Support (PSFSS) Committee.
Status: Completed. City staff will continue to provide the PSFSS Committee with an annual report.
4. Evaluate using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as an enforcement tool.
Status: Completed. In collaboration with the Fire Department, City Attorney’s Office, and Planning, Building and Code Enforcement, the Police Department implemented UAVs (drones) for the 2025 Fourth of July Holiday. Learning from the success of the 2025 pilot, the UAV program was further enhanced for the 2026 Fourth of July Holiday.
5. Compare fine amounts across the Bay Area; collaborate with county, state, and federal partners on legislation to ban the use of fireworks and increase the punishment for violators.
Status: Completed. In 2025, City Council approved the staff recommendation to increase the spectator fine amounts from $25 to $500. As of January 2025, the City can refer to the state of California District Attorney’s Office for the enforcement of up to $100,000 for possession of dangerous fireworks and potential incarceration for up to one year.
6. Reevaluate the protocols for issuing citations.
Status: Completed. The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed the due process requirements for fireworks citation issuance. Citations may be issued when there is sufficient evidence to find that a violation of the San José Municipal Code has occurred and to identify the responsible party.
7. Evaluate the reinstatement of the Fireworks Hotspot Enforcement Plan.
Status: Completed. City staff identified resources to reinstate the Fireworks Hotspot Enforcement Plan, resulting in the development and implementation of an enforcement plan by the Police Department that utilizes uniformed and non-uniformed officers to curtail the illegal buying and selling of fireworks within the City limits while focusing their attention on areas known for the high use of illicit fireworks based on complaint data and the Police Department’s computer-aided dispatch data. Additionally, implementing changes to the existing online reporting tool includes 2 reporting field requirements and defined data points to minimize incomplete submissions and provide more actionable reports.
8. Collaborate with county, state, and federal partners on legislation to ban the use of fireworks and increase the punishment for violators. Engage with neighboring cities such as the City of Morgan Hill and the City of Gilroy to encourage bans and prevent fireworks sold and used in other cities from entering San José.
Status: Ongoing. The City Manager’s Office of Administration, Policy, and Intergovernmental Relations collaborated with partners at the county and state levels and the City of San José’s federal lobbying staff to ban fireworks and increase the prosecution of violators.
The City of Gilroy continues to allow the sale and use of “Safe and Sane” fireworks. The Fire Department reached out to the Gilroy Fire Department to see whether a move to ban all fireworks was being considered and was told there were no plans to modify current allowances. In 2025, the Fire Department, Police Department, Code Enforcement Division from Planning, Building and Code Enforcement Department, City Council District Office 7, and neighborhood associations received technical support from the City of Elk Grove Police Department regarding lessons learned from their illegal fireworks drone enforcement program.
9. Evaluate educational campaigns for cultural competency.
Status: Complete. Campaign messaging was refined and refreshed to enhance cultural competency and overall effectiveness. During the 2025 reporting period, advertisements were deployed in multiple languages across digital and out-of-home (OOH) channels, with language choices matched to each location to best engage diverse communities and avoid any perception of targeting specific groups. Universally applicable themes were also specifically selected.
10.Search for potential state and federal funding sources to invest in enforcement mechanisms and programs to deter illegal fireworks use.
Status: Ongoing. In 2026, the Fire Department submitted an application for a two-year Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to enhance the education campaign. Currently, the submittal is under review.
11.Update the annual Fireworks Ordinance Work Plan to include Lunar New Year (Tết) Illegal Fireworks campaign actions to deter illegal fireworks use.
Status: Completed. Starting in 2024, staff began including data surrounding the Lunar New Year (Tết) Holiday for its annual report to the PSFSS Committee. 1 Attachment B: Illegal Activities Fireworks Timeline
Date Activity
1977-1984 State-approved fireworks were allowed in San José. 1984 City Council amended the San José Municipal Code banning all fireworks, including “safe and sane” fireworks.
2014 Fire and Police Departments were directed to look for options that might slow and eventually contain the illegal use, sale, possession, and storage of fireworks.
August 2014 Rules and Open Government Committee directed the City Manager to draft and bring forward to the City Council an ordinance that would authorize the issuance of administrative citations and fines for the use, possession, sale, and storage of fireworks.
June 2015 City Council directed City staff to establish a new framework to cite, fine, and adjudicate the use, possession, sale, advertisement for sale, transportation, and/or manufacturing of fireworks and to explore the use of administrative citations in addition to criminal charges.
April 2016 The City Council adopted an ordinance amending the San José Municipal Code to prohibit the sale, use, possession, and storage of all types of fireworks. A resolution was also adopted, amending the City Council Citation Schedule of Fines to establish administrative fines for fireworks-related violations.
July 2016-
July 2016
Illegal Fireworks Pilot Program entailed scope for publicity and enforcement.
Illegal Fireworks Online Reporting System was created as a technology solution to allow the public to inform the City of illegal fireworks activity (up to six Code Enforcement Inspectors and four to six Fire Prevention Inspectors to review online reports).
April 2017 The Police Department created a list from 2016 Fourth of July data identifying 62 “hotspots” citywide.
May-July 2017 The City instituted a comprehensive marketing and outreach campaign, implemented a new online firework reporting platform, and deployed “in the field” enforcement personnel for the 2017 Fourth of July holiday.
September 2017 The City Manager designated the Fire Department as the lead department for coordination and project implementation. The City Council provided direction on fines and appeals, use of volunteers, and outreach and marketing campaigns.
November 2017 A high-level Illegal Fireworks Plan was developed and presented to the City Council. The Fire Department expanded its illegal fireworks messaging campaign and online reporting to New Year’s Eve and Tết/Lunar New Year, created a “Save Lives, Including Your Own” New Year’s Eve fireworks and Tết/Lunar New Year campaign, established a dedicated phone line for reporting illegal fireworks activity, and updated and improved the Illegal Fireworks Online Reporting Form.
January 2018 The City established new advanced deposit hardship waiver qualification criteria for all administrative citations.
March 2018 The Fire Department applied for a Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security, Fire Prevention & Safety Grant to provide education and awareness funding to assist the City in achieving its illegal fireworks goals.
2 Date Activity
March 2018 City Council approved the Mayor’s March Budget Message for 2018-2019, which approved one-time funding to support the Rotary International 2018 Fourth of July Fireworks event.
April 2018 The City established education and awareness, reporting, and enforcement as major program components, along with lowering injuries and fires, increasing the number of actionable reports, and decreasing the number of illegal fireworks hotspots as program goals.
August 2018 Fire Department Information Technology City staff took over support of the online reporting tool.
February 2019 Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement Department conducted a community survey, receiving 178 responses out of 616 surveys sent out.
May 2019 The Fire Department partnered with Andrew P. Hill High School, Leigh High School, and Dartmouth Middle School to display messaging campaigns on digital boards and banners.
June 2019 Google translation services were added to the online reporting system.
July 2019 The Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement Department sent emails and made phone calls to reporting parties who submitted reports during the 2019 Fourth of July reporting period, advising them that their report resulted in the issuance of a Warning Notice.
July 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic shelter-in-place orders presented significant challenges.
The City focused on fireworks outreach through social media, community-based networks, and alternative activities. These approaches used data from previous years to target social media campaigns and community contact.
December 2020 On December 15, 2020, the City Council approved $1,000 fines for the first, and $2,000 and $3,000 fines for subsequent illegal firework violations.
May 2021 City Council approved a Social Host amendment to the Fireworks Ordinance on May 25, 2021.
June 2021 The Police Department instituted dedicated enforcement leading up to the 2021 Fourth of July holiday, in conjunction with a social media campaign to prevent, educate, and deter illegal fireworks activity. The online reporting tool was refined with an updated version activated on June 15, 2021.
June 2022 The City deployed San José 311 as the online portal for mobile application reporting services.
June 2023 Staff developed the updated San José 311 “Illegal Fireworks” dashboards for use by the public and City staff. Staff targeted advertising and initiated resource deployments using hotspot mapping data. The Police Department cited spectators who actively observed illegal fireworks displays in accordance with the social host ordinance.
June 2024 A new fireworks campaign was launched, asking, “What do you have to lose?” and encouraging residents to “Keep pets out of shelters.” Additionally, the Fire Department partnered with the Office of Council District 4 Councilmember David Cohen to distribute 300 reusable lawn signs in parks across the city, reminding residents that parks close at dusk and fireworks are illegal. 3 June 2025 A pilot UAV program was initiated in collaboration with the City Attorney’s Office, San José Fire Department, San José Police Department, and the Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement Department, in conjunction with the Social Host Ordinance, to enhance situational awareness and enforcement.
Additionally, a penalty study was conducted to recommend increasing the fine amount for City Council consideration.
December 2025 Council approved increasing the spectator fine amount from $25 to $500 in alignment with numerous other cities within the region.
May 2026 Expanded coordination among the Illegal Fireworks Team to include Animal Care Services to improve public education and support for the pet community.
June 2026 Updated the online reporting experience with clearer instructions, enhanced acknowledgments, improved evidence submission, and more accurate service expectations.
July 2026 Concentrated UAV deployments on the Fourth of July for fire stations and embedded Code Enforcement inspectors with Police’s UAV team to improve real-time coordination and evidence collection.
Attachment C: Lunar New Year (Tết) Summary
2024
(February 9-February 19)
2025
(January 24 – February 3)
2026
(February 13 – February 23)
Hotspots 75 reports 51 reports 27 reports
Pyrotechnic Permitted
Events
4 events:
Bay 101 Casino,
History Park (2),
Casino M8trix
4 events:
Bay 101 Casino,
History Park
Casino M8trix,
Grand Century Mall
3 events:
Bay 101 Casino,
Casino M8trix,
Tet Fest @ Eastridge Mall
Police Block Party Permits 0 0 0
Actionable Online Reports 75 45 12
Online Report Stats 75 reports
(No duplicates)
71 reports
(3 duplicates)
38 reports
(1 duplicate)
Citations Issued 2 (PBCE)* 0 (PBCE) 1 (PBCE)
PD Criminal Citation 7 (Citations)
2 (Arrests)
0 0 (Citation)
1 (Arrest)
Warnings Issued 18 (PBCE) 17 (PBCE) 11 (PBCE) (1 duplicate) Registered User Reports
Used for Hotspot Data
32 (PBCE) 16 (PBCE/SLPD) 26
Fire/PD Confiscations 300 lbs.
(2024 calendar year)
0 0
Fire Calls for Service 23 fireworks calls
1 fire,
9 medical emergencies
13 smoke and noise-related
complaints
21 fireworks calls
1 fire,
3 medical emergencies,
15 smoke and noise-related
complaints
14 fireworks calls
3 fires,
3 medical emergencies,
8 smoke and noise-related
complaints
PD Calls for Service 106 fireworks calls 122 fireworks calls 82 fireworks calls Hotline Calls 6 calls to Hotline;
2 by after-hours
0 calls to Hotline;
0 by after-hours
10 calls to Hotline;
5 by after-hours
*Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement Department
Attachment D: Fourth of July Summary
2 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
2019
(June 1 – July 6)
2020
(June 1 – July 6)
2021
(June 1 – July 6)
2022
(June 1 – July 10)
2023
(June 1 – July 10)
2024
(June 1-July 8)
2025
(June 1 – July 8)
2026
(June 1 – July 6)
Hotspots N/A N/A N/A 1,341 reports 1,006 reports 819 reports 723 reports 430 (1 duplicate) Pyrotechnic
Permitted
Events
4 events 0 (COVID-19) 2 events
(Neither on July 4)
2 events:
Almaden Lake Park,
Discovery Meadow
4 events:
Almaden Lake Park,
Discovery Meadow,
Excite Ballpark,
SCV Country Club
5 events:
Almaden Lake Park,
Lake Cunningham Park,
Excite Ballpark (2),
SCV Country Club
5 events:
Lake Cunningham Park,
Excite Ballpark (2),
PayPal Park,
SCV Country Club
3 events:
Excite Ballpark (2),
SCV Country Club
Police Block
Party Permits
29 permits issued 0 (COVID-19) 7 permits issued 29 permits issued 30 permits issued 27 permits issued 25 permits issued 22 permits issued Actionable
Online
Reports
161
(Includes duplicates)
335 489
(Includes 101
duplicates)
1,201 998 795 463 79
(Warnings and Citations)
Online Report
Stats
1,946 reports
submitted. (596
insufficient info,
1,189 incomplete)
6,601 reports submitted.
(2,672 insufficient info,
3,416 incompletes,
178 duplicates)
1,769 reports submitted.
(1,280 insufficient info)
1,344 reports submitted.
(143 duplicates)
1,010 reports submitted.
(12 duplicates)
824 reports submitted.
(29 duplicates)
889 reports submitted
(5 duplicates)
522 reports submitted
(440 Insufficient Info, 8
duplicates)
Citations
Issued
7 (PBCE) 4 (PBCE) 10 (PBCE) 10 (PBCE) 0 (PBCE) 0 (PBCE) 8 (PBCE) UAV2 Pilot 7 (PBCE) SJ311
2 (PBCE) Citations
remain under review
Police
Criminal
Citation
1 (Criminal Citation)
2 (Arrests)
1 (Criminal Citation)
3 (Arrests)
13 (Criminal Citations) 15 (Criminal Citations)
2 (Arrests)
11 (Criminal Citations)
19 (Spectator Citations)
3 (Arrests)
7 (Criminal Citations)
1 (Arrest)
0 (Criminal Citations)
1 (Arrest)
0 (Criminal Citations)
1 (Arrest – 7/8/2026)
Warnings
Issued
150 (PBCE) 331 (PBCE) 378 (PBCE) 252 (PBCE) 120 (PBCE) 105 (PBCE) 71 (PBCE) 80 (PBCE) (7 duplicates)
Registered
User Reports
Used for
Hotspot Data
N/A N/A N/A 303 reports 269 reports 286 reports 354 reports 426 reports Fire/Police
Confiscations
300 pounds 450 pounds
(Police Department)
550 pounds
(Police Department)
50 pounds
(Police Department)
39,000 pounds
(Police Department in
collaboration with Fire
Department’s Arson
Unit)
300 pounds
(Police Department)
2024 calendar year
3,300 pounds
(Police Department)
46.3 pounds
(Police Department)
Fire Calls for
Service
23 fireworks calls
15 fires
124 fireworks calls
54 fires
2 medical emergencies
56 fireworks calls
32 fires
79 fireworks calls
64 fires,
9 medical emergencies,
6 smoke and noiserelated complaints
86 fireworks calls
41 fires,
8 medical emergencies,
37 smoke and noiserelated complaints)
102 fireworks calls
59 fires,
12 medical emergencies,
31 smoke and noiserelated complaints
69 fireworks calls
50 fires,
4 medical emergencies,
15 smoke and noiserelated complaints
69 fireworks calls
35 fires,
15 medical emergencies,
17 smoke and noiserelated complaints
Police Calls
for Service
430 fireworks calls 2,031 fireworks calls 1,078 fireworks calls 625 fireworks calls 567 fireworks calls 522 fireworks calls 586 fireworks calls 450 fireworks calls Hotline Calls 787 calls, including:
68 by Call Center and
434 by after-hours
1,973 calls, including:
1,073 to Hotline
directed to online form,
889 answered by staff,
77 by after-hours
1,299 calls, including:
651 to Hotline directed
to online form,
409 answered by staff,
236 by after-hours)
527 calls to Hotline;
1 call answered by staff
247 calls to Hotline;
151 by after-hours.
201 calls to Hotline;
85 by after-hours.
132 calls to Hotline;
14 by after-hours.
139 calls to Hotline;
52 by after-hours.