Fireworks are illegal to possess or use in the City of Austin unless a permit has been issued for a professional display. These permits are issued by the AFD Special Events only if several requirements are met. Contact afdspecialevents@austintexas.gov for details.  Requests for aerial fireworks must be submitted at least 21 days prior to scheduled event. Requests for flame effect, open flame performances, etc., must be submitted at least 14 days prior to scheduled event.

The 2021 International Fire Code, as locally amended by the City of Austin, requires that businesses that are storing or using hazardous materials above-ground obtain Aboveground Hazardous Materials Permit. This requirement allows AFD to track potential hazards and inform responding firefighters about specific chemical hazards at certain locations.

The Austin Fire Department (AFD) supports the use of prescribed burns for forest and range management, ecological restoration, and training purposes where and when appropriate.  It can be an effective tool for risk reduction and restoring ecosystem function when conducted by qualified and trained fire management personnel.

The Temporary Change of Use to Public Assembly/Operational Permit is required for structures or portions of structures used as public assemblies that do not currently have a “Certificate of Occupancy” for that type of use.