The regulations contained in this article are hereby adopted
to provide for the issuance of permits for the display of fireworks
by fair associations, amusement parks, or by any organization or group
of individuals, under the minimum terms and conditions set forth in
the Statewide Fire Prevention Code Act, Code of Virginia, § 27-94
et seq., as amended, (VSFPC) and the additional terms and conditions
set forth herein or as may be prescribed by the County Administrator
at the time of permit issuance. Any association, organization, or
group that has been issued a permit may purchase and make use of fireworks
under the terms and conditions of such permit.
Except as otherwise provided in this article, it shall be unlawful for any person to transport, manufacture, store, sell, offer for sale, expose for sale, buy, use, ignite, possess or explode any firecracker, torpedo, skyrocket or other substance or thing, of whatever form or construction, that contains any explosive or inflammable compound or substance, and is intended or commonly known as "fireworks," and which explodes, rises into the air or travels laterally, or fires projectiles into the air, other than sparks, and other than those fireworks excepted under the provisions of §
21-3.
The provisions of this article shall not apply to fountains
that do not emit sparks or other burning effects to a distance greater
than five meters (16.4 feet); wheels that do not emit a flame radius
greater than one meter (39 inches); crackling devices and flashers
or strobes that do not emit sparks or other burning effects to a distance
greater than two meters (78.74 inches); and sparkling devices or other
fireworks devices that: i) do not explode or produce a report; ii)
do not travel horizontally or vertically under their own power; iii)
do not emit or function as a projectile; iv) do not produce a continuous
flame longer than 20 inches; v) are not capable of being reloaded;
and vi) if designed to be ignited by a fuse, have a fuse that is protected
to resist side ignition and a burning time of not less than four seconds
and not more than eight seconds when used or exploded on private property
with the consent of the owner of such property; nor shall the provisions
of this article apply to the sale or use of blank cartridges for a
show or theater or for signal or ceremonial purposes in athletics
or sports or for use by military organizations.
Any person who violates any provision of this article shall
be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.