Fire Regulations in Ames, IA (2026)
5 verified fire regulations for Ames, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
In the City of Ames, Iowa, recreational fires in chimineas, fire pits and screened containers are allowed under the city's amended fire code, but every fire must sit more than 15 feet from any structure, deck, porch, roof, garage, shed or fence. The 15-foot buffer around the fire must also stay clear of weeds, shrubs and furniture. The Ames Fire Department enforces the rule under Chapter 8 of the Ames Municipal Code.
Ames Recreational Fire Pit Setback Rule
Some RestrictionsAmes Municipal Code Sec. 8.202(2); Sec. 8.601
(2) Amend Section 307.4.3 Portable Outdoor Fireplaces, by deleting the exception and inserting the following in lieu thereof: Recreational fires are permitted in approved containers, such as chimineas, contained fire pit/ring, screened devices. Such fires shall be located more than 15 feet from any structure, including decks, porches, roofs, garages, sheds, and fences. The immediate area with...
Fireworks
In the City of Ames, Iowa, consumer fireworks may only be used on the person's own property, or with the owner's consent, on July 3 (9 a.m. to 10 p.m., or 11 p.m. on a weekend), July 4 (9 a.m. to 11 p.m.), and New Year's Eve into early morning, under Ames Municipal Code Sec. 17.6. Fireworks are banned at all times on any City-owned property, and violations carry a $250 fine.
Ames Consumer Fireworks Allowed Only 3 Days
Significant RestrictionsAmes Municipal Code Sec. 17.6
Sec. 17.6. FIREWORKS, USE AND SALES REGULATED. ... (2) The use or exploding of consumer fireworks is prohibited, except for: (a) on July 3 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. (or 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. if July 3 is a Saturday or Sunday), (b) on July 4 between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., and (c) from 9:00 a.m. on December 31 to 12:30 a.m. on the immediately following day. ... T...
Outdoor Burning
In the City of Ames, Iowa, burning garbage, refuse, leaves, landscape waste and other combustible material is prohibited unless the fire chief grants specific advance written approval. Only a handful of exceptions, landscape waste, prairie or field burning, training fires and storm-damaged trees, are allowed, each under conditions the fire chief sets. The fire chief can halt any open burning that becomes hazardous or a nuisance, and every fire must be constantly attended.
Ames Open Burning Prohibition
Significant RestrictionsAmes Municipal Code Sec. 8.401; Sec. 8.601
(1) Prohibition. ... The burning of garbage, refuse, leaves, landscape waste and all other combustible materials is prohibited except as specifically permitted by the fire chief as provided in the following exceptions. ... (2) General Conditions for Open Burning. (a) Fire Chief may prohibit. The Fire Chief may prohibit any or all open burning when atmospheric conditions or local circumsta...
Smoke Detectors
In the City of Ames, Iowa, every rental dwelling unit must have a working smoke alarm outside each sleeping area, inside every bedroom, and on every story including basements, under Ames Municipal Code Sec. 13.802(2). The rule sits inside the Rental Housing Code enforced by the Building Official, and existing rental units had to meet it by December 31, 2010. Owner-occupied single-family homes are exempt from this chapter.
Ames Rental Housing Code Requires Smoke Alarms
Some RestrictionsAmes Municipal Code Sec. 13.802(2)
Sec. 13.802. FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS. ... (2) Smoke detectors required. ... Single or multiple station smoke alarms shall be installed and maintained in dwellings and dwelling units at all of the following locations: (a) On the ceiling or wall outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms. (b) In each room used for sleeping purposes. (c) In each story with...
Propane Storage
In the City of Ames, Iowa, storing more than 100 pounds of liquefied petroleum gas is restricted in the city's residential and several special zoning districts under the fire code. The restriction covers the RL, RM, RH, RLP, UCRM, FS-RL, FS-RM, F-PRD, S-SMD and S-HM zoning districts, and the fire chief can only allow an installation there after weighing topography, occupancy, proximity to buildings and available fire protection. Enforcement runs through the Ames Fire Department.
Ames LP-Gas Storage Zoning Restriction
Significant RestrictionsAmes Municipal Code Sec. 8.202(14); Sec. 8.601
(14) Add the following local provision: ZONING DISTRICT RESTRICTIONS ON STORAGE OF MORE THAN 100LBS LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GASES. The limits in which storage of liquefied petroleum gas is restricted, are hereby established as follows: RL, RM, RH, RLP, UCRM, FS-RL, FS-RM, F-PRD, S-SMD and S-HM Zoning Districts. The fire chief, or designees, will have the authority to alter or allow installations ...
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