Waterloo, IA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Section 5-2-13, most recently amended by Ordinance 5799 on June 16, 2025, lets residents use consumer fireworks within Waterloo's corporate limits only on July 3 and July 4 between noon and 11:00 P.M., and on December 31 between noon and 12:30 A.M. Novelty fireworks under Iowa Code section 727.2 fall outside the section entirely. Even during those windows, fireworks may be used only on the user's own real property or on property whose owner has consented, and city-owned property, sidewalks, rights-of-way, streets, parks and parking lots are off limits unless a permit has been obtained.

Debris must be cleared from wherever the fireworks were used, and users may not aim fireworks in any direction beyond the property where use is allowed. Consumer fireworks that mimic display fireworks, or that reach 150 decibels or 210 feet of elevation, are banned at all times, with no seasonal window, unless the city council approves a written permit application under subsection E, which also covers professional displays referenced in section 9-2C-4. Sellers must hold a State Fire Marshal license and post signs at entrances and exits warning that use is restricted to the permitted dates.

Citations under subsection D go to the person observed violating the section or to the property owner where evidence of a violation is found, and the same conduct can also draw a noise or nuisance citation. A violation is a simple misdemeanor carrying a fine of not less than $250.00, a distinctly higher floor than the section's earlier amendment history had set.