Northwest Iowa — When most Americans think of fireworks, they think of Independence Day — the 4th of July. But fireworks are popular here and in other parts of the world around the New Year’s holiday as well.
Fireworks were made legal in Iowa for a limited time every summer and winter by a change the Legislature came up with a few years ago.
In Sheldon, the winter fireworks rules include that you’re only allowed to use fireworks between December 17th and January 2, and only between the hours of noon and 10 p.m. except you get a little longer on New Year’s eve — that night you can use them until 12:30 a.m. on January 1st. Sheldon city code also says it has to be on your own property or on another’s property with their consent, and they’re not to be used on public property. It also says those under 18 can only use them under the direct supervision of the child’s parent or guardian. You can’t use them under the influence of alcohol or drugs or recklessly. Click here for the Sheldon ordinance.
The Sibley City ordinance was made more restrictive this year. In Sibley, they’re now only legal to use in the winter on December 31st and January 1st. (And on July 3rd and 4th in the summer). Times are between noon and 11 p.m., with no extra time on any day. Click here for the new Sibley ordinance.
The Rock Rapids fireworks ordinance says fireworks may only be discharged from December 28th through January 3rd between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., with extended hours New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day until 12:30 a.m. Click here for the Rock Rapids ordinance.
Click here for the Rock Valley ordinance. (no recent changes)
Click here for the Sanborn ordinance. (no recent changes)
In Orange City, changes have been made recently to their ordinance. They now allow fireworks in the winter between December 10th and January 3rd from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m., with the hours extended on New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day until 12:30 a.m. Click here for the original Orange City ordinance. But there is another document with the changes. Click HERE for the changes.
Click here for the Sioux Center ordinance (No recent changes.)
In Hull, there is not a separate ordinance. City officials tell us the state law applies in Hull. Click here for the state law.
Click here for the Primghar ordinance. (no recent changes)
And in Hartley, there is NO winter fireworks season, according to Hartley City Clerk/Administrator Erica Haack. She says fireworks are only allowed on two days the entire year in Hartley — July 3 and 4.
Most rural areas abide by the state law, which can be found here, but make sure you know the rules in the community or county in which you plan to set off fireworks. And as always, be safe.
