Fireworks
The City of Fort Morgan Municipal Code allows for the use of legal fireworks from June 1 through July 15 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. On July 4, the time is extended to 11:59 p.m. (City Ordinance No. 1068 §5 (a) & (b))
Colorado law permits sparklers, fountains, ground spinners and novelty firework items that do not have a report (explode) or are not intended to leave the ground and fly through the air. Fireworks such as firecrackers, rockets (including bottle rockets), mortars and the like are not legal anywhere in the state of Colorado. [CRS 12-28-101(8)] (City Ordinance No.1068 §3 (c))
Public Display - Permit Required:
As a reminder, an application for a permit for a public exhibition or display of fireworks shall be filed with the City Clerk at least 20 days before the date set for the display. A copy of such application shall be provided to the Fire Chief or his designee, who shall make, or cause to be made, an investigation of the site of the proposed display and investigate the competence and skill of the persons in charge of the firing and discharge of the fireworks. If satisfied that the display will be conducted lawfully and in accordance with the ordinance, the Fire Chief or his designee shall so advise the City Clerk within 10 days, who shall issue the permit. The investigation is to determine if the applicant is qualified and that the necessary safety precautions have been considered and that appropriate safety plans and procedures will be followed. (Ord. 1068, §8)
CRS 12-28-101 3 states that every display shall be handled by "an individual who, by experience and training, has demonstrated the required skill and ability to safely set up and discharge display fireworks."
Sale of Fireworks - Permit & City Sales Tax License Required:
Any business engaged in the sale of fireworks must file at least 20 days prior to the start of any sales a Retailer of Fireworks Application with the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control of the State of Colorado. Information regarding the filing and the application can be found online.
In addition, in the City of Fort Morgan an Application for Retail Sales of Fireworks must be completed and filed with the Office of the City Clerk at Historic City Hall, 110 Main Street, Fort Morgan. Also required with the application is a copy of the State of Colorado Permit received and a copy of the agreement with the business owner of the property where the sales will take place. Follow this link for more information regarding fireworks sales and displays.
The Fort Morgan Police Department is the local city enforcement agency for the use of fireworks. If you have any questions or need additional information about fireworks, please contact the Fort Morgan Police Department at (970) 867-5678.