Dickson Moves to Curb Out of Town Fireworks Vendors with Steep Permit Increase
Dickson, TN — At its Feb. 2, 2026 meeting, the Dickson City Council unanimously approved on first reading an ordinance that would more than triple the permit fee for temporary fireworks stands operating inside city limits.
If approved on the second reading March 2nd, the permit fee would rise from $1,000 to $3,500 — a significant increase aimed squarely at out-of-state vendors who set up shop in Dickson each summer.
City Administrator David Travis told council members that most of the five to six fireworks stands that operate annually are not locally owned. Because many of the companies are based out of state, the city does not receive local sales tax revenue from their operations. The result, officials say, is a seasonal business presence that generates traffic and cleanup concerns without directly contributing to the city’s tax base.
“This change corresponds with how we’re trying to manage outside vendors operating here,” Travis explained during discussion.
What the ordinance changes
The proposed amendment would:
Increase the fireworks stand permit fee from $1,000 to $3,500
Eliminate the current $200 cleanup deposit
Authorize the city to deny future permits to vendors who fail to maintain their site
Require vendors to clean up and vacate their site within 24 hours of ceasing sales
City officials said the cleanup language strengthens enforcement. Rather than relying on a refundable deposit, the new structure gives the city clearer authority to deny permits to vendors who leave debris or fail to properly maintain their temporary locations.
The ordinance passed unanimously on first reading and now heads to a required second reading at the council’s March 2 meeting before it can take effect.
Why it matters
While the number of fireworks stands each year is relatively small, the discussion reflects a broader policy stance: ensuring businesses operating inside Dickson contribute fairly to local costs.
Seasonal fireworks sales generate increased traffic and demand for city services during peak summer weeks. However, without local sales tax collections flowing back to the municipality, officials say the current fee structure does not reflect the true cost of hosting temporary vendors.
The proposal also signals that the city intends to prioritize accountability and site maintenance, particularly when temporary operations close immediately after the July 4 holiday.
If finalized next month, the new $3,500 fee would go into effect ahead of the 2026 fireworks season.
The next regular session of the Dickson City Council will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, March 2, 2026 at Dickson City Hall, 600 East Walnut Street, where the ordinance will be considered for final approval.