As a reminder, the Waukee City Council amended the fireworks ordinance in August 2017 to permit legal fireworks use within the Waukee city limits only on July 3 and 4 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. on those respective days. Exploding or discharging consumer fireworks on days/times other than those allowed is punishable by a fine of not less than $250 per violation.
Also, pursuant to state law, a person shall not use, explode or discharge consumer fireworks on real property other than that person’s real property or on the real property of a person who has consented to the use of consumer fireworks on that property. Consumer fireworks cannot be discharged on City property, such as parks, parking lots, sidewalks or streets.
Licensed sellers can sell consumer-grade fireworks to customers age 18 and older in Waukee June 13 through July 8 in temporary structures located in M-1 and M-1A Industrial Zoning Districts only. The temporary structure sales locations must adhere to the City’s Temporary Use Regulations and receive City Council approval. Retail stores which hold state-issued licenses are allowed to sell fireworks that are classified as second class consumer fireworks as long as the sales space represents less than 50 percent of the retail floor space; these sales can occur during the periods of June 1-July 8 and December 10-January 3.
For any non-emergency fireworks concerns, such as usage during off dates and times or on prohibited property, please call Westcom Dispatch at 515-222-3321. For emergencies, call 911.
Fireworks Safety Tips
- Fireworks cause almost 19,000 injuries each year. Young people between the ages of 5-19 have a disproportionate number of injuries based on the population. Fireworks should only be used with proper adult supervision.
- Keep a garden hose or fire extinguisher nearby in case of problems.
- Keep a bucket of water in which to place used wire sparklers. Sparklers account for a quarter of all fireworks injury-related trips to emergency rooms. Sparklers burn at 1,200 degrees and can cause third degree burns in a fraction of a second.
- Do not aim bottle rockets, roman candles and other fireworks which leave the ground, toward people, buildings or vehicles.
- Report any fires in buildings, vehicles or greenspaces by calling 911 immediately!
Enjoy a safe holiday season.