F-3301.1.3 Fireworks and illegal explosives. The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks and illegal or forbidden explosives (sometimes referred to as fireworks) are prohibited. (See Section F-3302.1 for the definition of illegal or forbidden explosives.)

Exceptions:

1. Storage and handling of fireworks as permitted in Section F-3304 when approved by the Fire Department.

[2. Manufacture, assembly and testing of fireworks as permitted in Section F-3305.]

[3]2. The use of fireworks for display as permitted in Section F-3308 when approved by the Fire Department.

[4]3. The possession, storage, sale, handling and use of [specific types of Division 1.4G fireworks where allowed by applicable local or state laws, ordinances and regulations, provided such fireworks comply with CPSC 16 CFR, Parts 1500 and 1507, and DOTn 49 CFR, Parts 100-178, for consumer fireworks.] items designed to produce an audible or visual effect as follows:

A. Starter pistols for sporting or theatrical events, or toy caps and similar non-projectile items containing not more than 16.2 milligrams (0.25 grains) of pyrotechnic composition per cap or item.

B. Snappers containing not more than 1 milligram (0.02 grains) of pyrotechnic composition.

C. Sparklers containing not more than 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of pyrotechnic composition per sparkler.

D. Other novelty effects containing not more than 50 milligrams (0.8 grains) of pyrotechnic composition per effect, and that have no projectile components.

F-3301.2 Permit required. Permits shall be required as set forth in Section F-105.6, F-105.8 and regulated in accordance with this section. Applications for the use of explosives for building demolitions shall be submitted at least 90 days in advance of the proposed date and for all other uses at least 21 days in advance. Applicants shall also follow the specific requirements of the various city departments charged with ensuring the safe demolition of buildings by explosives.

F-3301.2.3.1 Limitation on demolition. Demolition of buildings or structures by implosion is prohibited during the time period from December 16 to March 1, unless special permission is granted by the Managing Director of the City of Philadelphia.

F-3301.2.4 Financial responsibility. Before a permit is issued, as required by Section F-3301.2, the applicant shall file with the [jurisdiction] City a corporate surety bond [in the principal sum of $100,000] or a certificate of public liability and property damage insurance [policy for the same amount], from an insurance company authorized to write such insurance in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in an amount determined by the City for the purpose of the payment of all damages to persons or property which arise from, or are caused by, the conduct of any act authorized by the permit upon which any judicial judgment results. [The fire code official is authorized to specify a greater or lesser amount when, in his or her opinion, conditions at the location of use indicate a greater or lesser amount is required. Government entities shall be exempt from this bond requirement.]

All costs associated with the clean-up of dust and debris from demolition by implosion shall be borne by the contractor. All costs for cold weather provisions for demolition by implosion, including water additives, shall be borne by the contractor.

F-3301.3 Prohibited explosives. Permits shall not be issued or renewed for possession, manufacture, storage, handling, sale or use of the following materials and such materials currently in storage or use shall be disposed of in an approved manner.

11. Illegal or forbidden explosives as described in Section F-3301.1.3.

F-3301.4 Qualifications. Persons in charge of magazines, blasting, fireworks displays, or pyrotechnic special effect operations shall not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs which impair sensory or motor skills, shall be at least 21 years of age, and shall demonstrate knowledge of all safety precautions related to the storage, handling or use of explosives, explosive materials or fireworks. In connection with the issuance of a permit to use the above materials, the Fire Department shall determine whether the user has the necessary qualifications to protect against health and safety hazards.

F-3301.9 Transportation of explosives exceeding 1,000 pounds. Explosive materials exceeding 1,000 pounds shall not be transported through the city without the approval of the Fire Department. The Fire Department shall designate the time and route of the transportation of explosive materials and arrange for a police escort when deemed necessary. An Assisted Operation Permit is required for each movement in accordance with Section F-105.8.

F-3302.1 Definitions. The following words and terms shall, for the purpose of this chapter and as used elsewhere in this code, have the meanings shown herein.

F-3305.1 General. The manufacture of explosives, ammunition, blasting agents and fireworks is prohibited. The assembly and testing of explosives, ammunition, blasting agents and fireworks shall comply with the requirements of this section and NFPA 495 or NFPA 1124. Prior to issuance of a permit, approval shall be obtained from the Police Department for the use of explosives and blasting agents and from the Fire Department for the use of fireworks.

F-3308.2 (Delete text of subsection and substitute as follows)

F-3308.2 Permit application. Applications for Assisted Operation Permits for fireworks and pyrotechnic displays shall be submitted at least 15 days in advance of the event. Prior to the issuance of a permit for fireworks displays, the applicant shall submit a diagram of the site, type and number of fireworks and/or pyrotechnic effects, qualifications of the operator and proof of insurance. Approval by the Fire Department is required for all fireworks and pyrotechnic displays. Launching racks shall be in accordance with requirements of the Fire Department.