Permits

Overview: Here is your opportunity to find out what is required for a pyrotechnic display in Cedar Rapids. You will have the opportunity to review the requirements and download an application.

Listed below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding pyrotechnic displays in Cedar Rapids:

1. What are fireworks?
2. what are pyrotechnics?
3. What are the laws and codes governing pyrotechnics?
4. What is the Cedar Rapids city ordinance concerning fireworks?
5. What events are pyrotechnics usually found?
6. Who needs to complete an application for a pyrotechnic display?
7. Where do I get an application for a pyrotechnic display?
8. What is the application process?
9. When will I find out if I am approved for an event?
10. How much notice is required before an event?
11. What expenses are involved to apply for a pyrotechnic permit?
12. For more information on pyrotechnic requirements within Cedar Rapids, contact the Code Enforcement Division-Fire Inspections at (319) 286-5861.

1. What are fireworks?
   
   Any composition or device for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, deflagration, or detonation, and that meets the definition of Consumer Fireworks or Display Fireworks as set forth in NFPA 1123.
   
   
2. what are pyrotechnics?
   
   The art of making or the manufacture and use of fireworks.
   
   
3. What are the laws and codes governing pyrotechnics?
   
   Pyrotechnic displays in Cedar Rapids must adhere to rules and regulations established by the Cedar Rapids Fire Code (CRFC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), and all other federal, state, and local laws pertaining to the discharge of pyrotechnics. The only fireworks that are legal to use in Cedar Rapids without obtaining a permit are sparklers, caps, and snakes.
   
   
4. What is the Cedar Rapids city ordinance concerning fireworks?
   
   Except as hereinafter provided, it shall be unlawful for any person to possess, store, to offer for sale, sell at retail or use to explode any fireworks, provided that the Chief shall have power to adopt reasonable rules and regulations for the granting of permits for supervised public displays of fireworks by a jurisdiction, fair associations, amusement parks, other organizations or for the use by artisans in pursuit of their trade. Every such use or display shall be handled by a competent operator approved by the Chief and shall be of such character and so located, discharged or fired so as, in the opinion of the Chief after prompt investigation, not be hazardous to property or endanger any person.
   
   
5. What events are pyrotechnics usually found?
   
   Pyrotechnics are found at both indoor and outdoor events. Indoor events would include stage plays and productions, as well as music concerts. Outdoor events include festivals, Fourth of July activities and other public events.
   
   
6. Who needs to complete an application for a pyrotechnic display?
   
   The only legal fireworks are sparklers, caps, and snakes. Snaps, Poppers, Party Favors and other novelties are in violation of the law. All other fireworks require a permit that must be applied for through the Cedar Rapids Fire Department Fire Marshal's Office.
   
   
7. Where do I get an application for a pyrotechnic display?
   
   New fee schedule in effect - please call (319) 286-5861 before submitting any of these forms to ensure that you have the correct fees. This web page will be updated with the new permit shortly. Applications may be obtained from the:
   
   Code Enforcement Division
   1201 6th Street SW
   Cedar Rapids, IA  52404
   
   You may also download a copy of the permit by selecting the link below.
   
   Permit Application for Pyrotechnic Display of Fireworks
   
   In order for an insurance certificate for a special event to be approved by the City, it must meet Special Events Insurance Requirements.
   
   
8. What is the application process?
   
   • All applicants must submit a Permit Application for Pyrotechnic Display of Fireworks to the Cedar Rapids Fire Department.
   • An original certificate of insurance shall be submitted to the Cedar Rapids Fire Department. Please submit an insurance certificate a minimum of thirty days prior to the date of the event for approval by the City Attorney.
   • Once the appropriate applications are made, there will be a review of the application by a member of the Cedar Rapids Fire Marshal's Office.
   • The Fire Marshal's Office shall conduct a walk-through inspection and upon request, there shall be a representative demonstration of the pyrotechnics display. A site inspection shall be made of the shooting area to include safe zone and fallout perimeter. If the shoot site or the pyrotechnic display is deemed unsafe, the display can be postponed or cancelled per the authority having the jurisdiction.
   • A fee of $115 made payable to the City Treasurer is required for issuance of a pyrotechnics permit by the Cedar Rapids Fire Department. 
   • Applicants shall comply with all storage and transportation of pyrotechnic materials as per federal and state codes.
   • All indoors pyrotechnic displays shall require a minimum of (1) one stand by fire personnel on scene. Additional personnel and/or equipment may be required as per the authority having jurisdiction.
   • All outdoors pyrotechnic events shall be reviewed by the Fire Marshal's Office. The requirement for stand by personnel and/or equipment may be required as per the authority having jurisdiction.
     
     
9. When will I find out if I am approved for an event?
   
   Once all required paperwork has been received and reviewed, you will be notified by fire department personnel.
   
   
10. How much notice is required before an event?
    
    A minimum of thirty (30) days notice is required.
    
    
11. What expenses are involved to apply for a pyrotechnic permit?
    
    The permit fee is $115. Additionally, there is a $75 operational permit fee for maintenance, storage, handling or use of any quantity of fireworks. Depending on the event and location, stand-by fire personnel and/or equipment may be required.

Questions?
Contact the Code Enforcement Division-Fire Inspections at (319) 286-5861.