Citizens within Newton city limits may discharge fireworks on:
- July 4 from 8 P.M. to 11 P.M.
Other requirements for firework use in city limits include:
- Fireworks can be no greater than one inch in diameter or exceed a total of 250 grams of powder for cake fireworks
- A person must be 18 years or older to purchase consumer fireworks
- No person under the age of 18 is allowed to discharge a DOT 1.4 class consumer firework without parental supervision.
- A person can only discharge a consumer firework on real property they own or on the property where consent has been given.
- Consumer fireworks cannot be discharged by anyone showing visible signs of, or determined to be, intoxicated or under the influence of a drug or narcotic.
- Any person discharging a consumer fireworks device assumes all responsibility for its operation and the consequences thereof.
- No person shall discharge a consumer fireworks device in a reckless manner or manner likely to cause death, injury, fire, or property damage.
- Fireworks may not be altered, removed or discharged from its intended method.
- Sky lantern open flame devices are not permitted to be released within the city limits, except if tethered by a retrievable rope so long as the person discharging has control over the sky lantern.
If a person violates the regulations, they would be guilty of a simple misdemeanor which is punishable by a fine of no less than $250. If you are found to be a person or responsible party, who violates the restrictions in Chapter 135 of the City of Newton, Iowa Code you may be guilty of a municipal infraction and subject to a civil penalty of $250.00 for each offense.
A responsible party includes, but is not limited to:
- The person(s) who owns, rents, leases, or otherwise has possession of the residence or other private property;
- The person(s) in immediate control of the residence or other private property; and
- The person(s) who organizes, supervises, sponsors, conducts, allows, controls, or controls access to the illegal discharge or illegal storage of fireworks.
View Chapter 135 of the Newton, Iowa Code of Ordinances here.
