So the new site is live and of course, I had questions! Here is the Q&A between me and Gardiner. (My embedded picture did not come through, but it’s not entirely needed for the context of this conversation. I’ll toss it into a PDF and attach it if someone wants the full detail conversation.)
Questions about Permitted Shoot Application.pdf (196.7 KB)
From: [email protected] [email protected]
Sent: Monday, May 5, 2025 11:46 AM
To: Phoenix Pyrotechnics [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: RE: Online Fireworks Display Application Permit
Good morning: my responses are in bold. Basically, the new online exhibition permit portal utilizes the same forms that have been in use for years, just now they are electronic. Instead of submitting a binder or packet to the AHJ, you now just fill it out electronically and upload all the required documents. Once the AHJ has received the permit application, they can review it, send it back for correction or cancel the permit. After the exhibition is completed, the AHJ submits them directly to the SFM for review.
Step 1: Exhibition
When performing a fireworks display, we at times include Fuel Mines. As such, are we expected to checkbox both Fireworks 1.x and Flame Effects? Or does “Flame Effects” pertain more to live flame acts like carnival fire twirlers and such? Is the Fireworks 1.x selection inclusive to Fuel Mines?
Checkmark both categories.
Step 2: Product
Since our product always comes from the same company, will this information eventually end up in a template or dropdown similar to the selection of counties and fire departments? The State already has all the Shippers information since the State issues the licenses. Having to enter this information every time is rather tedious.
No. You will be required to enter this information on each individual permit. Even though exhibitors are required to purchase their product from an Ohio licensed wholesaler/manufacturer, or out of state shipper, we do come across exhibitors who do not. If we would limit the selection to only licensed W/M and OOSS, and if someone got the product from where they shouldn’t have, the location of purchase wouldn’t be able to be entered and wouldn’t match what the exhibitor has on their purchase order during an audit. Also, if a new W/M or OOSS becomes licensed, or if they are no longer licensed, we would have to make the vendor go in and add or delete the information each time.
Step 3: Exhibitor
- What kind of show can take place wherein a Licensed Exhibitor is not required?
Approved Consumer fireworks discharge dates, when used in accordance with OFC 5626 and ORC 3743.45.
- Am I supposed to select all three license categories as that is what my license covers? Or do I only select the fields that are required for the show being permitted?
Only mark the license category for the type of exhibition being conducted.
Step 5: Documents
Specific to a Fireworks Display (that may also include fuel mines)
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Questions 1 & 6: Are you able to explain the difference between the requested info?
- Does Question 6 only appear when Flame Effects is selected in
Step 1:Exhibition? These are the requirements listed in the Ohio Fire Code.
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Question 2: Our shows are a 1-day event and do not have/require temporary storage. What “required” documentation is expected to be provided?
If there is no storage required, all you would do is upload a document stating N/A
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Question 3: Even if we are doing a purely 1.4 show with a max separation distance of 150 feet (or less if it’s non-breaking effects), do you still want a site map covered out to 1000 feet? That will make for a rather small portion of the map laying out the positions of 1.4 product.
150 feet is the minimum separation distance for aerial consumer fireworks. The AHJ might require more. The site map and all the required documents must be acceptable and approved by the AHJ.
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Question 5: Often, our crew is not finalized until possibly a day or two before an event. What are your expectations for supplying this information? In the past, I’ve simply provided a sheet listing all my workers and their respective Ohio License number. And then I would checkmark those that came onsite and worked the event. Will a sheet listing all the workers & their license numbers be sufficient for upload? (I’ve attached a sample of what I’ve supplied AHJ’s in the past.)
The lead exhibitor needs to complete the permit application, as the system carries their signature over to the checklist. If the AHJ allows a substitute on the day of the exhibition, the AHJ will make that change on the checklist. You will need to check with the AHJ to see what they’ll accept when it comes to supplying a list of assistants or exhibitors.
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I’ve always found Ohio’s permitting process very much a “Cart & Horse” situation since we don’t typically pull a permit until we actually know all the details and have established contact with the local FD and confirmed from all the parties that the show will be allowed. From there, then we start to build out the show and attempt to figure out who will be available to work the show. The way it’s setup right now, it seems like the permit will be one of the very last things to be started/submitted. Is that the intent?
The permit is the same as you have been using, only now its electronic. The minimum timeframe to submit a permit to the AHJ is 5 days, although some jurisdictions require more time. The signed permit is what allows the exhibitor to purchase product specific to that permitted show. The checklist will be completed on the day of the show.
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In the past with the paper submissions, I’ve created a template PDF that is already filled in for each of my Lead Exhibitors, the shipper information (always American Fireworks) and the insurance provider (always Scottsdale Surplus). Will each online permit have to have all this information manually entered every time? Or will the State provide the ability for templates under registered accounts such as my own?
You will need to enter the information on each individual permit application. If the information doesn’t change, you can just save it on your computer and attach it when you’re completing the application.
Andrew Gardner
District Chief, Fireworks-Explosives-Cannabis
Ohio Department of Commerce
Division of State Fire Marshal
8895 E. Main Street
Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068
P: 614-728-5460
C: 513-267-4642
[email protected]
com.ohio.gov