Consumer Fireworks FAQs

PERMANENT: As applied to buildings or structures: a building or structure affixed to a foundation on a site.

TEMPORARY: As applied to buildings or structures: a building or structure not meeting the definition for permanent structure.

A building classified as a mercantile occupancy that contains a variety of merchandise and that is not used primarily for the retail sales of consumer fireworks. The maximum consumer fireworks retail floor area shall be less than 25% of the retail floor area OR 600 square feet, whichever is less. Aerial and audible ground device sales have specific restrictions per NFPA 1124 section 7.5.1.1.

A building that does not meet the definition of a "store" shall be considered a facility.

A small, often open-air structure for a small retail business. May also include a portable building or trailer not affixed to a foundation. (A stand "not open to public" is a small, often open-air structure for a small business where only retail personnel are inside the stand and the public do not physically enter.)

A collapsible shelter of fabric (such as nylon or canvas) stretched and sustained by poles and used as a temporary building. Includes temporary retail sales of consumer fireworks in tents, canopies, and membrane structures.

A building or structure in which finished consumer fireworks are received, stored, and shipped. The storage can be either a permanent structure or a temporary "trailer, semitrailer, or metal shipping container".

The Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing does not require a bond for the issuance of a consumer fireworks retail sales license.

A certificate of insurance with minimum per occurrence coverage of one million dollars and aggregate coverage of at least two million dollars that is valid for the entire period of the license is part of the requirements for the issuance of a consumer fireworks retail sales license by the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing.

PERMANENT BUILDINGS:  A retailer or community group may sell consumer fireworks at a permanent building only between June 1 and July 8 and between December 10 and January 3 each year, all dates inclusive.

TEMPORARY STRUCTURE:  A retailer or community group may sell consumer fireworks at a temporary structure between June 13 and July 8 each year, both dates inclusive.

Online sales of consumer fireworks are permitted in Iowa by a licensed vendor; however, the buyer must physically pick up the purchase at the licensed consumer fireworks vendor site.

Iowa Code 10A.519 Section 4. Subsection a. “Require[s] that any retailer or community group offering for sale at retail any consumer fireworks… shall do so in accordance with the national fire protection association (NFPA) 1124."  This Iowa Code section requires retail sales of consumer fireworks takes place at a licensed sales facility that is in compliance with the NFPA 1124. As a result, home delivery service of consumer fireworks is not permitted per Iowa Code. 

Curbside Service IS Permitted:  The NFPA 1124 7.4.6.2, applicable in Iowa pursuant to Iowa Code Section 10A.519, does not permit vehicle parking within 10 feet of a consumer retail sales facility; however, a designated parking area that is 10 feet or more from a facility can be used for curbside service.

A flame break is a solid material without holes or other openings, used to retard the spread of flame. (NFPA 11224-2006 edition 3.3.31)

Flame breaks can be constructed of any of the following: (NFPA 1124-2006 edition A.7.3.15.3)

• sheet steel
• sheet aluminum not less than 0.010 in. (0.25 mm) thick
• hardboard not less than 1/8 in. (3 mm) thick
• gypsum board not less than 3/8 in. (10 mm) thick
• wood panels not less than 1/8 in. (3 mm) thick
• plywood not less than 1/4 in. (6 mm) thick
• particleboard not less than 1/4 in. (6 mm) thick
• cement fiberboard
• plastic laminate not less than 1/8 in. (3 mm) thick
• safety glass not less than 1/8 in. (3 mm) thick
• other approved material 

There are also some unconventional flame break options, like packaged fireworks.  Reach out to our staff at fireworks@dia.iowa.gov for assistance.

No, NFPA 1124 - 2006 edition, Chapter 7.2 specifically prohibits retail sales of display fireworks at a consumer fireworks site, including storage or display for sale of such fireworks (7.2.4).

Selling display fireworks is a serious violation of the consumer fireworks license and is grounds for immediate license revocation.

No, NFPA 1124 - 2006 edition requires minimum separation distances between a stand and a tent. See Table 7.4.7.2 for minimum separation distance requirements.

Yes, just make sure there are no exposed fuses on the novelty fireworks. Fuses can be taped over to cover them.

No, you don’t have to apply for a new license, but you do need to notify DIAL and have revised site plans approved as soon as possible and before you open for sales. Please email fireworks@dia.iowa.gov to work with our staff to reopen your license application to submit your revised site plans for review.

Yes, as long as the containers are placed according to the required minimum separation distances as outlined in NFPA 1124 - 2006 edition.  See Table 7.4.7.2 for minimum separation distance requirements.

The state of Iowa does not regulate the sale or use of display fireworks. Please check with the local jurisdiction(s) regarding any requirements, restrictions, or prohibitions.