As the July 4th holiday nears, Local Services reminds everyone that the use and sale of consumer fireworks are prohibited in the unincorporated areas of King County, including communities such as White Center, Skyway, East Federal Way, Fairwood, and the East Renton area.
“Although the Fourth of July is a time for celebration, King County, along with many other communities in the region, recognizes that consumer fireworks present an unacceptable level of risk and harm. To help protect our loved ones, our first responders, pets, property, and neighborhoods, I want to remind everyone that fireworks are prohibited within unincorporated King County,” said King County Fire Marshal Eric Urban.
King County Fire Marshal Eric Urban
Fireworks enforcement will be managed by the Code Enforcement team in the Permitting Division of the Department of Local Services. Code Enforcement will investigate complaints received about illegal fireworks use and/or sales in unincorporated King County.
You can report violations online;you will be asked to sign in or create an account on our customer service system. You can also call 206-848-0800.
Much like reporting a building safety or nuisance issue, reporting fireworks violations will require giving a specific property address. And if the person reporting the violation wants King County to take enforcement action, that person must be willing to testify in person or by written declaration at a hearing concerning the date, time, and location where they witnessed the illegal acts. If the complaint is anonymous or the complainant is not willing to testify, then the owner of the property where discharge of illegal fireworks is reported will be sent a letter with information about the fireworks ban.
Frequently asked questions
Below is a list of frequently asked questions to help residents determine whether/how they can report a fireworks violation during the upcoming season:
Q. Are fireworks allowed in unincorporated King County? A. No, the sale and use of consumer fireworks in unincorporated King County are strictly prohibited. (Note: commercial displays by licensed pyrotechnicians are still allowed with a permit)
Q. I live in a city like Seattle or Renton. Can I still report violations to King County? A. No. King County will investigate complaints only for properties located in unincorporated King County. “Unincorporated King County” means outside of city limits. There are two easy ways to determine whether you’re located in unincorporated King County:
Find or enter your address on this map. The green layer shows unincorporated King County.
Q. I know people are lighting off fireworks, but I don’t have a specific address. Will you still investigate? A. No. Code Enforcement will not investigate any complaint it receives for fireworks incidents on private property that does not include a specific address or parcel number located within unincorporated King County.
Q. I have an address, but do I have to give my name and contact information when reporting? A. While the person reporting isn’t legally required to give their name and contact information, anonymous complaints about fireworks on private property will only result in an informational letter to the property owner.
Q. Will I have to testify about the complaint I made? A. You are not legally required to testify in writing or in person before a hearing examiner about your complaint. However, a citation with a penalty will only be issued if the complainant is willing to testify. Otherwise, the alleged violator will only be issued an educational warning letter.
Q. What about people who are lighting off fireworks in the street, park, or other public property? A. Code Enforcement does not investigate complaints about fireworks use on public right-of-way or other public property like schools or parks. In those instances, contact the King County Sheriff’s Office.
Q. Will King County actively patrol for fireworks violations? A. No. Code Enforcement and the Sheriff’s Office do not actively patrol for fireworks violations. Complaints must be filed through the regular code enforcement channels (see “How to report fireworks violations” below).
Q. What if I see actual or potential danger to people or property from fireworks? Who do I report it to then? A. If there is a threat to life, physical injury, or property damage, contact the King County Sheriff’s Office by calling 9-1-1.
Q. Where can I find more information? A. Go to kingcounty.gov/reportfireworks for more information (in the green fireworks section, click on the “Report violations online.” First-time users will have to sign up for our system). You can also direct general queries to our customer support email and phone number at asklocalservices@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-3800.
Reporting fireworks violations
Residents can report violators to Code Enforcement (please note that reports made by e-mail or by phone will be responded to the next business day):
Online by visiting kingcounty.gov/reportfireworks (In the green fireworks section, click on the “Report violations online.” First-time users will have to sign up for our system)
Online via the King County Permits website. Select “File a complaint” in the Code Enforcement section. On the new screen, scroll down to “Enforcement” and click on “File a Complaint.” No registration necessary.
Online via the Accela permit and complaint portal. Scroll down to “Enforcement” and click on “File a Complaint.” No registration necessary.
King County Local 