West Des Moines, IA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

West Des Moines City Code Section 3-14-1 authorizes a consumer fireworks retail facility permit for fireworks as defined in Iowa Code section 727.2, issued subject to Iowa Code section 10A.519 and Title 4, Chapter 3 and Title 9 of the City Code; the Fire Chief or designee promulgates the safety rules incorporated into every permit. Section 3-14-2 requires a permit application filed with the City Clerk at least ten calendar days before sales begin, though the Clerk may accept a late application at her discretion, and approval does not waive the need for other local, state or federal permits.

Temporary retail structures face detailed siting standards under Section 3-14-3: fireworks facilities are limited to allowable zoning districts under Title 9, temporary vendor space citywide cannot exceed 20% of a property's parking stalls, facility signage is capped at 32 square feet with off-premises directional signs subject to confiscation, and sales and storage structures must be removed within one week after the state sales season ends. Separation requirements bar sales or storage structures within 300 feet of above-ground bulk fuel storage, within 50 feet of fuel dispensing or propane/CNG stations, within 30 feet of dry grass or combustible debris, and within 20 feet of other storage facilities, the public right-of-way, or other buildings, with parking required at ten stalls per 1,000 square feet of retail sales area and emergency vehicle access within 150 feet of every side of the structure. Wholesale sale and storage of consumer and display fireworks is separately regulated under Title 4, Chapter 3 and Title 9 (Section 3-14-5).