Des Moines area fireworks laws city-by-city MAP

Des Moines area fireworks ordinances.  Map courtesy CatchDesMoines.com

Definitions of Consumer Fireworks Classes from Iowa Department of Public Safety:

First Class Fireworks includes Aerial shell kits and re-loadable tubes, Chasers, Helicopter and aerial spinners, Firecrackers, Mine and shell devices, Missile-type rockets, Roman candles, Sky rockets and bottle rockets.

Second Class Fireworks includes Cone fountains, Cylindrical fountains, Flitter sparklers, Ground and hand-held sparkling devices, Ground spinners, Illuminating torches, Toy smoke devices, Wheels, Wire or dipped sparklers.   

Novelties are different than the above Classes of Fireworks. According to the Des Moines Fire Department, novelties include small sparklers, snakes, and caps.  Novelties are generally allowed in most cities.

More detailed information from Department of Public Safety HERE 


Iowa's new state fireworks law has created a patchwork of city rules for use of fireworks.  Des Moines area city ordinances are explained below, listed alphabetically, by city.

Altoona

Use of First Class and Second Class Fireworks is banned in Altoona. Novelties may be used any time.  

Ankeny

First Class and Second Class Fireworks are allowed within the city limits on July 4th only from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm.  Per state law, the person discharging fireworks must do so on their own property or the property of someone who has consented to the use of fireworks.

Bondurant

First Class and Second Class Fireworks may be used only on July 3 between the hours 2:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. and July 4, between the hours 2:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. 

Fireworks users must be 18 years of age (or in the immediate presence of a parent or guardian with consent to supervise) and cannot show signs of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

Discharge on public property is prohibited.  Permission of private property owner is required.

Fireworks may not be used within 600 feet of the property line of a property containing any structure which offers combustible material for sale; a medical clinic, hospital, child care facility or senior living facility. 

Carlisle

First Class and Second Class Fireworks may be used between the hours of 12:00 p.m. noon to 11:00 p.m. from  June 30 to July 8.  The person must be on their own property or on property with the owner's consent.

Clive

All First Class and Second Class Fireworks use is banned in Clive.   Novelty fireworks such as sparklers will continue to be allowed.

Des Moines

First Class and Second Class Fireworks may be used within city limits only on July 4th from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Grimes

First Class and Second Class Fireworks may be used from July 1 through July 8 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.  On July 4 the hours are extended from 9:00 a.m. To 11:00 p.m.   

Indianola

First Class and Second Class Fireworks are allowed in Indianola only on July 2nd and July 3rd from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on July 4th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Johnston

All Fireworks use is banned in Johnston.

Norwalk

First Class and Second Class Fireworks may be used from June 1 through July 8 and December 10 through January 3 of each year, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

On July 4th Fireworks may be used between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and the Saturday  and Sunday before and after July 4th; and on December 31 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. January 1; and between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. on the Saturday and Sunday before and after December 31.

Perry

First Class and Second Class Fireworks may be used only on July 4th, between 4:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. in the City of Perry. No fireworks may be discharged without the permission of the property owner.  Fireworks are banned within 200 yards of a hospital or senior care facility.  Fireworks may only be used by persons 18 or older.  

Pleasant Hill

First Class and Second Class Fireworks are allowed in Pleasant Hill on July 4th between the hours of NOON to 11:00 p.m. only.  Pleasant Hill will also allow the use of Consumer Fireworks on December 31st from NOON to January 1st at 1:00 am.

Polk City

Urbandale 

First Class Fireworks are banned in Urbandale.   Class 2 Fireworks are allowed.

Waukee 

Waukee has the most lenient city ordinance in the Des Moines metropolitan area, allowing the use of First Class and Second Class Fireworks within the city from June 30th through July 8th beginning at 9:00 a.m. daily, and ending at 10:00 p.m. on weekdays (including Fridays) and ending at 11:00 p.m. on weekends, and 11:00 p.m. on the 4th of July.

West Des Moines

All Fireworks use is banned in the City of West Des Moines.

Windsor Heights

First Class and Second Class Fireworks are banned in Windsor Heights.  Novelties are allowed.





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