July is just around the corner and Independence Day will be here soon. Make sure to familiarize yourself with fireworks laws in Johnson County as you prepare for holiday celebrations.

It is illegal to set off fireworks anywhere in unincorporated areas of Johnson County without a permit. Any person intending to set off certain fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Johnson County must obtain a permit from the Johnson County Board of Supervisors. A completed application should be provided to the Board of Supervisors Office at least 14 days before the anticipated display. Applications should be addressed to the Board of Supervisors Office in the Johnson County Health and Human Services Building, 855 S. Dubuque Street, Iowa City, and delivered via U.S. mail or hand-delivered to the Board Office.

Retail sale, wholesale, and storage of consumer and display fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Johnson County must be located on parcels zoned MH-Heavy Industrial, as defined by the Unified Development Ordinance, and may be subject to certain supplemental conditions.

Fireworks displays, sales or storage within the limits of an incorporated municipality are governed by the ordinances of that city, not the Board of Supervisors. Contact the appropriate city hall or fire department for questions. Johnson County incorporated municipalities include Coralville, Iowa City, Hills, Lone Tree, North Liberty, Oxford, Shueyville, Solon, Swisher, Tiffin and University Heights. 

Applications for a fireworks permit and more information are available at www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov/fireworks. Questions regarding fireworks display permits for unincorporated areas of Johnson County can be directed to the Johnson County Board of Supervisors Office at 319-356-6000 or [email protected]. Questions regarding fireworks sales and storage in unincorporated parts of Johnson County can be directed to Johnson County Planning, Development and Sustainability at 319-356-6083 or [email protected].