1. DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND ZONING County Administration Building
OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS 69 W. Washington, Suite 2830
Chicago, IL 60602-3169
Timothy P. Bleuher TEL (312) 603-0500
COMMISSIONER OF BUILDING AND ZONING FAX (312) 603-9940
OF COOK COUNTY TDD (800) 526-0857
Public Fireworks Display
Permit Requirements – per “Cook County Fireworks Ordinance”
These requirements pertain to unincorporated Cook County only.
Website: www.cookcountyil.gov/BuildingZoning
1. A Building and Zoning Application must be submitted to this Department at least fifteen (15)
days prior to a proposed date of activity.
2. Non-transferable permits may be •granted to any group of three (3) or more adult
applicants. Further, only persons or entities which operate fairs, amusement parks, outdoor
recreational facilities, governmental entities or persons or entities authorized to use governmental
property for a fireworks display may apply for a fireworks display permit
3. The permit application shall state the date or dates of the fireworks display, the location of
the fireworks display and provide information about the method of explosion, number, type and
size of the fireworks to be displayed to determine the fire safety precautions minimally necessary to
protect the public and the safety measures to be issued to protect the public. State the name of the
fireworks display operator.
4. Every permittee shall have and maintain adequate liability insurance with minimum limits of
$1,000,000 bodily injury and property damage, combined single limit, naming the County, its
officers, employees and agents as additional insured. Said insurance shall indemnify and defend
the County ,its officers, employees and agents against all claims, liability, loss, damages or
expenses, whether caused by or contributed to by the negligence of the County, its officers,
employees or agents. Said insurance shall provide that the County receive written notice 30 days
prior to any cancellation, nonrenewal or material change in the policy. Proof of said insurance
shall be submitted to the Commissioner of Building and Zoning at time of permit application.
5. A notarized affidavit from the owner(s) of the property must be submitted giving their "USE"
consent.
6. A plot plan locating all trees, light poles or other obstructions must be submitted:
(a.) On drawing, indicate the source of power (if motor generators are to be used, show fences
or other adequate protection around generators).
(b.) Locate all devices and booths on plot plans.
7. A wiring diagram indicating proper safety of fusing, cut offs and grounding of all
equipment must be submitted.
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8. A letter from the registered electrical contractor, who will install the wiring must
be submitted.
9. Before the start of operations, an inspection of all devices on the
property/premises must be made by the Department's inspector.
10. A notarized affidavit from a bonafide Fireworks Display Company indicating that
they will be handling the fireworks display must be submitted.
11. No person in charge of or working in connection with any public display of
fireworks shall smoke at any time during which such public display is going on or in the
vicinity of materials to be used for such display.
12. Unfired fireworks and trash remaining after a public display of fireworks for which
a permit is issued shall be immediately disposed of in an approved, safe manner.
NOTE: No public display of fireworks will be held at any time unless a Department of
Building and Zoning or authorized Fire Department Representative is present during
such display.
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