Ames residents are now allowed to shoot fireworks from their private property on the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve, thanks to a new state law.
Newly adopted state legislation, which Governor Reynolds signed on May 19, prohibits a city council or board of supervisors from restricting or limiting the use of consumer fireworks on July 3, July 4 and Dec. 31.
The Ames City Council approved an ordinance on June 10 to comply with the law, allowing fireworks use on private property by the owner or with permission. The ordinance applies during select hours on July 3, July 4 and Dec. 31.
Fireworks are prohibited on city property, including parks, streets, sidewalks, trails, or right-of-way.
When can you shoot off fireworks in Ames?
The use or exploding of consumer fireworks is prohibited except for:
Anyone who shoots fireworks outside of those hours or on property they don’t own may be subject to a $250 fine.
Ames Police Chief Geoff Huff said landlords will need to report violations.
City staff plans to distribute more general guidance in the coming weeks.
Landowners can determine if fireworks are allowed on their property
City staff has prepared communication to be sent to Ames rental property managers that encourages them to ensure tenants are aware whether fireworks use is allowed the property, Ames Fire Chief Rich Higgins said.
“We are doing pretty aggressive outreach, especially to landlords in our community,” Higgins said. “It’s important to know that you can’t just go out onto the streets and shoot off fireworks on July 3 and 4, or Dec. 31. It needs to be on private property that you own, so if you’re a tenant you don’t own that property; it’s your landlord’s property.”
Ames City Council member Tim Gartin said fireworks decisions should be handled by city governments, not the Iowa Legislature.
“Why in the world would the legislature think it’s important to devote their time to tell cities how to do this?” Gartin said. “We should agree cities might have different approaches to fireworks, but allow cities to do what they want to do, and not have a one-size-fits-all (approach).”
(This story has been updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.)
Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Fireworks in Ames? New law loosens restrictions around Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve
Reporting by Celia Brocker, Ames Tribune / Ames Tribune
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