Jennifer L. Schwickerath, First Assistant City Attorney
Eric R. Goers, City Attorney
Geoff Fruin, City Manager
Axel Swanson, Fire Marshal
None
N/A
Iowa City Code currently prohibits the use of fireworks within City limits because in the judgment of Council, the use of "consumer fireworks" or "display fireworks" within City limits constitutes a safety risk in our urban environment, due to the risk of injury to those lighting them and others in the vicinity, especially children; a fire hazard from fireworks landing on rooftops, vehicles, and other combustibles; and a noise nuisance, especially for children, pets, and those suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder.
Iowa City Ordinance 8-5-12 currently allows the use of fireworks on July 3rd between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., July 4th between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., the Saturdays and Sundays immediately preceding and following July 4th between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., and between December 31st at 9:00 a.m. and January 1st at 12:30 a.m. Current State Code only limits a city's authority to ban fireworks on July 3rd, July 4th, and December 31st, therefore, Iowa City has authority to amend Ordinance 8-5-12 to ban fireworks on the Saturdays and Sundays immediately preceding and following July 4th.
Staff recommends amending the City's ordinance to further restrict the use of fireworks within Iowa City.
The proposed amendment would allow fireworks on July 3rd between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. (or 11:00 p.m. if July 3rd falls on a Saturday or Sunday), July 4th between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., and between December 31st at 9:00 a.m. and January 1st at 12:30 a.m. Fireworks would no longer be allowed on the Saturdays and Sundays immediately preceding and following July 4th.