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Public Display Fireworks Operator Guidelines <br />June 2011 Page 5 <br />conducted in a safe manner in accordance with all applicable codes and standards. Contact <br />local authorities to determine if this exemption applies. <br /> <br />Outdoor Displays Within a Municipality <br />When a fireworks display is to be conducted within the corporate limits of a municipality, a permit must be <br />secured from the city clerk of that municipality. Before issuing the permit the city clerk must refer an <br />application for a permit to the chief of the fire department for review and approval. The permit may not be <br />issued unless the fire chief approves the application. <br /> <br />Outdoor Displays Outside a Municipality <br />When a fireworks display is to be conducted outside the corporate limits of a municipality a permit must be <br />secured from the county auditor who is responsible for performing the duties assigned to the city clerk. In <br />such cases the duties normally performed by the chief of the fire department are to be performed by the <br />county sheriff. The county sheriff is encourage, but not required by law, to coordinate the sheriff’s <br />investigation with the chief of the fire department serving the portion of the county in which the display will <br />be conducted. The permit may not be issued unless the sheriff approves the application. <br /> <br />Indoor Displays <br />When an indoor fireworks display is to be conducted at any location, a permit must be secured from the <br />Minnesota State Fire Marshal. The State Fire Marshal will conduct an investigation to determine whether a <br />permit should be issued. <br /> <br />Exception <br />The State Fire Marshal has delegated the authority to issue indoor fireworks display permits <br />to certain local fire chiefs. A list of cities which have received this delegation is maintain in <br />the office of the State Fire Marshal and is posted on the State Fire Marshal Web site at <br />www.fire.state.mn.us. When an indoor fireworks display is to be conducted in a city which <br />has received this delegation the permit must be obtained from the chief of the fire department <br />in that city, or the chief’s designee, not the State Fire Marshal. <br /> <br />PERMIT PROCEDURE <br /> <br />Application Timeframe <br />Unless specifically exempted by the city or county (see exemption to permit requirement on page 2), a <br />permit for an outdoor display must be secured from the city clerk (county auditor), or the State Fire Marshal <br />for indoor displays, prior to conducting a fireworks display. The sponsor of the proposed display must <br />submit a written permit application at least 15 days in advance of the date of the display. <br /> <br />Restrictions on Sponsors <br />Fireworks displays may be sponsored by a city, fair association, amusement park or other public or private <br />organization. Examples of a public organization include a county, township or other public entity. Examples <br />of private organizations include churches, fraternal / veteran’s organizations, businesses, companies, lake <br />associations and private colleges. <br /> <br />State law prohibits private individuals, including a certified public display fireworks operator acting as an <br />individual, from sponsoring fireworks displays. A fireworks display company may sponsor displays for <br />private parties. <br />