Display of Fireworks Bond - Hartford, CT in Connecticut

Brief Summary

A public fireworks display in Hartford runs on a state permit, and the permit runs on a bond filed locally. Connecticut's permit application tells applicants to post a $1,000 surety bond with the municipality under General Statutes section 29-358, and the application itself asks for the name of the local official who received the bond and the date it was filed. Get the bond issued first and the rest of the permit packet can go in on time.

Anyone putting on a supervised fireworks display in Hartford needs a permit under Connecticut General Statutes section 29-357(b), and one condition of that permit is the filing of a bond as provided in section 29-358. The state application packet sets the bond at $1,000, posted with the municipality where the display takes place, which here is the City of Hartford. The permit application has to be filed at least 15 days before the display.

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How to Apply for a Display of Fireworks Bond:

• Confirm the display date, site and the company named on the permit application.
• Apply for the $1,000 surety bond naming the City of Hartford as obligee.
• Pay the premium and receive the executed bond.
• File the bond with the City of Hartford and note the official who received it and the filing date.
• Complete form DPS-0131-C and form DPS-884-C and submit them with the fee at least 15 days before the display.
• Make sure the person firing the display holds a current State Fire Marshal certificate of competency.

Detailed Information About the Connecticut Display of Fireworks Bond:

The bond is filed locally, the permit is issued by the state

This is where organizers get tripped up. The display permit comes from the State Fire Marshal under Connecticut General Statutes section 29-357(b), but the bond does not go to the state. The application packet says it plainly: applicants must post a $1,000 surety bond with the municipality under CGS 29-358. For a Hartford show, that means the bond runs to the City of Hartford, and the state application asks you to name the local public official the bond was filed with and the date of filing.

Timing

The statute requires the permit application to be made in writing at least 15 days before the date of the display. The bond has to be issued and filed with the city before that, so start the bond first. Permits are not transferable, so a change in the company putting on the show means a new application and a bond in that company's name.

What the state application involves

The state form listed on the DESPP page is DPS-0131-C, Application for Fireworks/Special Effects Displays. The version published as DPS-131-C (Rev. 05/07/14) lists a $100 fee payable to the Treasurer, State of Connecticut, and requires form DPS-884-C, Application and Proof of Financial Responsibility, to be completed with it. That financial responsibility filing is separate from the $1,000 bond. The site must also satisfy the local chiefs of the police and fire departments, who judge whether the display, as located and fired, will be hazardous to property or endanger anyone.

The shooter needs a certificate too

The person actually firing the display must hold a certificate of competency from the State Fire Marshal. Connecticut State Police issues the Fireworks Certificate of Competency on form SP-141-C. The bond does not replace that certificate, and the certificate does not replace the bond.

How the premium is set

The bond amount is fixed, so the only variable is the premium the surety charges to issue it. That is based on underwriting of the applicant, mainly the credit and history of the owner or company putting on the display. Confirm the current bond form and the filing office with the City of Hartford before the bond is issued so the obligee name on the bond matches what the city expects.

Eligibility and Requirements for a Connecticut Display of Fireworks Bond:

• Bond amount of $1,000, posted with the municipality under CGS 29-358.
• City of Hartford as obligee for a display held in Hartford.
• Permit application filed in writing at least 15 days before the display.
• Separate proof of financial responsibility on form DPS-884-C.
• Site approval by the local chiefs of the police and fire departments.

Connecticut Display of Fireworks Bond FAQs:

Official and Additional Resources for the Connecticut Display of Fireworks Bond: