Here’s how to get the permits you need to sell fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday season. Please read these instructions carefully. You can save a lot of time and effort if you follow the steps in order. DCRA has provided links to downloaded forms and online applications to make this process as easy as possible for our customers. 

You’ll need these permits:

• Building Permit (required to erect a stand or trailer)
• Electrical Permit, obtained by a registered master electrician (required if temporary lighting is to be installed for night operation)
• The Existing Certificate of Occupancy if one exists on the site
• A letter from the owner of the existing business authorizing use of the space on the proposed site
• Fire Prevention Permit

You can get all applications at the DCRA Permit Center, 941 North Capitol Street, NE, Suite 2300 or by visiting the DCRA Fireworks Sales Information Center. To get the tax registration form, go to the Cashier's office on the first floor at the same address.

Pay your fees by cash, check, or money order at the Cashier Window, on the first floor of 941 North Capitol Street, NE. Make your payment out to “DC Treasurer.”

Here’s how to get these permits:

Building Permit

1. Visit the DC Surveyor Office at 941 North Capitol Street, NE, Suite 2300 and request two copies of the "Field Papers" or "Sub-Division Plat."

• Draw in the stand or trailer; accessories (like any generator); all the structure’s dimensions; distances and separations from adjacent structures, sidewalks, roadway, etc. 
• Please draw this information in ink on both copies. (You may also draw the site plan* – instead of a plat – with all the same requirements.)
• If the stand or trailer will be on a gasoline service station lot, it must be at least 50 feet from the building, pumps, vent pipes, and tank fill pipes. The stand can NOT be located on an apron or in a driveway.
• These is no charge for "Field Papers" and/or "Sub-Division Plat" to obtain a fireworks stand building permit.

• Write “Site to be cleared of stand and all debris by Midnight July 5”, on Line 12, Description of Proposed Work.
• Attach both plats (or site plans) and 4 sets of plans showing the stand construction method.

3. Complete the building permit and bring to the DCRA Permit Center Information Counter for clearance. The Information Counter will  “que” you to see a Plans Review Coordinator (PRC). All approvals can be obtained at the DCRA Permit Center, except for the Fire Marshal. 

(a) The Zoning Technician will make sure you’re in an appropriate zone and give you a Pre-Occupancy Data Sheet to help you get the required inspection. Keep both plats when you leave this counter.

(b) The Department of Transportation representative will write the street distribution on the plats so you’ll know where you may put the stand on the lot. (You may not put a temporary fireworks stand in Public Space.)

(d) Fire Protection, Electrical and Structural staffs will review your application, give final approval, and give you a receipt for the Cashier to stamp when you pay.

(e) Pay Permit fees to the Cashier.

(f) Go to Permit Issuance for your Permit first stop at the Information Counter to get a number to see a staff at the C of O Counter.

NOTE: A Postcard Permit can also be used in lieu of the permit application.  You must submit a site plan identifying the proposed location and any other applicable document identified in these procedures for a building permit.

4. Visit the DC Fire Marshal's Office, at 441 4th Street, NW,  to apply for "Permission to Sell Fireworks." The Fire Marshal will new proof you've applied for a building permit. the Fire Marshal will give you proof that you’ve applied for permission to sell fireworks, stamp your application, and give you a copy.

You must have a building permit from DCRA and "Permission to Sell Fireworks" from the Fire Marshal to build your stand.

Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)

Only existing Certificates of Occupancy will be accepted. If you aren’t the business owner, you must bring in a Letter of Authorization* from the existing business on proposed site.

If you’re a new business, follow the usual steps to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy.

1. Get your C of O Application* online or from the Permit Center.

2. You must present your completed application in person.

• If the applicant is a corporation, you must attach a Letter of Good Standing from the Corporations Division, Room 100, 941 North Capitol Street, NE, to your application.
• If anyone other than the business owner (or corporate officer for a corporate applicant) will present the application, and you must attach a completed and notarized Letter or Authorization* form. (You may also get blank forms from DCRA Permit Center.)

Write “Site to be cleared of stand and all debris by Midnight, July 5” on Line 10, Proposed Use.

Bring the completed application, all attachments, and the $33 filing fee, to the Certificate of Occupancy counter.

3. After you pay the filing fee, you’ll go through a brief review. Tell the staff representative when you plan to erect the stand or trailer so DCRA can schedule the inspection. Be as specific as possible: this date will be typed on the Certificate as your starting date.

YOU MAY NOT SELL FIREWORKS UNTIL YOU GET BOTH DCRA and FEMS INSPECTION APPROVALS.

4. Go back to the Occupancy counter to get the typed Certificate of Occupancy.

5. Pay the issuance fee at the Cashier.

6. Return to the Occupancy counter to get the issued Certificate of Occupancy.