In June 2022, Cedar Falls City Council voted to update the fireworks ordinance in the city to allow for consumer fireworks only on July 3 from noon to 10:00 p.m., July 4 from noon to 11:00 p.m., and July 5 from noon to 10:00 p.m. Violators were issued a first-time citation with a fine of $375. During this time frame, 34 total citations were issued.
Citations issued under the new fireworks ordinance were charged as a municipal infraction. Iowa law mandates that violations of city fireworks ordinances shall be charged as a simple misdemeanor crime and not as a municipal infraction. While the Cedar Falls fireworks ordinance establishing restrictions on fireworks use remains valid, this state law voids the penalty provision. In order to enforce them, the citations could still be issued under state law if the City elected to do so. Due to the success of the City’s fireworks education campaign, the low number of citations, and the overall compliance of the community, the City has elected not to issue such new citations.
Letters will be sent to those that received a citation advising that the citation has been dismissed. For those that have already paid, a refund will be issued. If you have a violation and have a question about the process, please contact City Attorney Kevin Rogers at kevin.rogers@cedarfalls.com or (319) 273-8600.
The Cedar Falls ordinance will be amended in the near future to update the penalty to a simple misdemeanor in accordance with the state law and the City does intend to continue strict enforcement of the fireworks ordinance.
The City thanks the community for their cooperation with the new fireworks ordinance and the high level of compliance this year.