The sale, use, possession, and exploding of fireworks within the City are subject to the following:
(Code of Iowa, Sec. 727.2)
1. Definitions.
A. Consumer Fireworks - (American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) Standard 87-1, Chapter 3) Any device, other than a novelty or theatrical pyrotechnic article, intended to produce visible and/or audible effects by combustion, deflagration, or detonation. Fireworks are further described as Fireworks UN0336 (formerly Common Fireworks and now referred to in this Standard as Consumer Fireworks,) or Fireworks UN0335 (formerly Special Fireworks and now referred to in this Standard as Display Fireworks.) Fireworks may also be described as Fireworks UN0337 if examination and testing in accordance with Title 49 CFR, § 173.56 is performed that warrants that classification.
For purposes of this section, the term “fireworks” includes any explosive composition, or combination of explosive substances, or article prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration, or detonation, and includes blank cartridges, firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, roman candles, or other fireworks of like construction and fireworks containing any explosive or flammable compound, or other device containing any explosive substance. The term “fireworks” does not include Goldstar-producing sparklers on wires which contain no magnesium or chlorate or perchlorate, flitter sparklers in paper tubes that do not exceed one-eighth of an inch in diameter, toy snakes which contain no mercury, or caps used in cap pistols.
B. Novelty Fireworks - (American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) Standard 87-1) A device containing small amounts of pyrotechnic and/or explosive composition. Such devices produce limited visible or audible effects. These items must be approved by DOT, and are normally classed as 1.4G. A different classification may be assigned based on testing and examination as specified in Title 49 CFR §CFR, § 173.56. Certain novelties which meet the criteria specified in Section 3.2 are not regulated as explosives, and approval by DOT is not required for those specific items. Novelty fireworks typically produce a much weaker explosion and sound. A few examples include:
(1) Party Poppers - once a string is pulled to activate the charge, confetti is thrust into the air and produces a report.
(2) Snaps - a small paper bag typically filled with gravel and a few milligrams of silver fulminate will produce a report when thrown at a hard surface or stepped on.
(3) Flying Lanterns (Sky Lantern) - these paper lanterns float into the sky when lit. They emit a slight glow and are very commonly used at weddings and celebrations.
(4) Paper Tanks & Vehicles - when lit, these small paper vehicles emit sparks that cause them to move around on the ground and commonly produce a loud bang at the end.
(5) Ground Bloom Flowers - a small cylinder that spins on the ground and changes color, spinning in such a way that it resembles a flower. Could be described as a large Jumping Jack.
(6) Snakes (Black Snake and Pharaoh's serpent) - a small compressed pellet that, when lit, expands into a long snake-like object.
C. Display or Theatrical Fireworks/Pyrotechnics. (American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) Standard 87-1) Pyrotechnic devices for professional use in the entertainment industry similar to consumer fireworks in chemical composition and construction but not intended for consumer use. Such articles, meeting the lift and effect powder weight limits for similar consumer fireworks but not labeled as such, and containing only chemicals listed in Table 4.3-1 may be approved under the provisions of this Standard and classified as Articles, Pyrotechnic, 1.4G, UN0431.
Note: Theatrical pyrotechnic devices may be classed by DOT as Articles, Pyrotechnic, 1.4S, UN0432 or as Articles, Pyrotechnic, 1.3G, UN0430 on the basis of examination and testing as specified in Title 49 CFR, § 173.56.
Examples include aerial shell, salute, all other fireworks that are not considered novelty or consumer.