As summer approaches, the City of Cedar Falls reminds the community of the local fireworks ordinance. Consumer fireworks are permitted within the city limits between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. on July 4 annually. During the Cedar Falls City Council meeting on February 20, 2023, the Council voted to also permit fireworks on July 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. This includes first-class and second-class consumer fireworks*.
To help ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for all, the City of Cedar Falls will be conducting a zero-tolerance policy on violators. Those who violate the fireworks ordinance with the use of fireworks outside of the designated time and dates or interfere with enforcement shall be guilty of a simple misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not less than $250.00.
If you need to report a violation, call Public Safety at (319) 291-2515.
The use of fireworks during these designated times shall only occur on the user's owned real property or on property where the owner has given prior consent. Unless a permit has been obtained, they are not allowed on city-owned property, public sidewalks, right of ways, streets, parks, or parking lots. All consumer fireworks debris must be removed.
The use of consumer fireworks that mimic display fireworks* or rise to 150 decibels or to 210 feet elevation is banned from use at all times within city limits unless the user has obtained a permit. Residents may enjoy novelty fireworks including party poppers, snappers, toy smoke devices, snakes and glow worms, and wire sparklers year-round.
Vendors
Vendors of consumer fireworks must possess a license from the State Fire Marshal. Any retailer or community group selling consumer fireworks must prominently display, at the entrance and exit sites, signage informing customers of the Cedar Falls fireworks ordinance including the designated date and times that consumer fireworks are permitted within city limits. To ensure compliance, the City will be monitoring vendors during sales periods as well as providing informational flyers for vendors to print and have on-site.
Fireworks Safety
Cedar Falls Fire Rescue reminds citizens to be safe when using fireworks. Have a water source nearby, avoid lighting them in dry grass, do not wear loose clothing around fireworks, and be aware of windy conditions. It is prohibited to direct fireworks in any direction other than the user's owned real property or the real property where the owner has given prior consent. Never allow children to play or ignite fireworks and do not try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not been ignited fully. Light fireworks one at a time then move back quickly. Soak fireworks in water before throwing them in the trash. Always remember that fireworks are not toys, do not direct them or throw them at another person or pet, and always point them away from yourself. Ensure that all members of your family are educated in fireworks safety.
The City of Cedar Falls thanks the community for their cooperation. To learn more about the Cedar Falls fireworks ordinance, visit www.cedarfalls.com/fireworks.
* First-class consumer fireworks are: (1) Aerial shell kits and reloadable tubes. (2) Chasers. (3) Helicopter and aerial spinners. (4) Firecrackers. (5) Mine and shell devices. (6) Missile-type rockets. (7) Roman candles. (8) Sky rockets and bottle rockets. (9) Multiple tube devices set forth under this definition that are manufactured in accordance with APA standard 87-1, section 3.5.
*Second-class consumer fireworks are: (1) Cone fountains. (2) Cylindrical fountains. (3) Flitter sparklers. (4) Ground and handheld sparkling devices, including multiple tube ground and handheld sparkling devices that are manufactured in accordance with APA standard 87-1, section 3.5. (5) Ground spinners. (6) Illuminating torches. (7) Toy smoke devices that are not classified as novelties pursuant to APA standard 87-1, section 3.2. (8) Wheels. (9) Wire or dipped sparklers that are not classified as novelties pursuant to APA standard 87-1, section 3.2.
*Display fireworks are: any explosive composition, or combination of explosive substances, or article prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration or detonation, and includes fireworks containing any explosive or flammable compound, or other device containing any explosive substance.]