Edited release
06/12/25
With the 4th of July holiday rapidly approaching, Johnson County residents are encouraged to review fireworks regulations in advance, including new rules that take effect July 1 in Johnson County.
According to a release from the County, Residents may discharge fireworks without a permit from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 3–5; from 9 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Dec. 31; and from midnight to 12:30 a.m. Jan. 1. Discharging fireworks without a permit on dates other than those listed is illegal in unincorporated areas of the county.
A completed application should be provided to the Board of Supervisors Office at least 21 days before the anticipated display, which means they must be submitted within the next day. Applications should be addressed to the Board of Supervisors Office in the Johnson County Health and Human Services Building, 855 S. Dubuque St., Suite 314, Iowa City, IA 52240, and delivered by U.S. mail or in person.
The retail sale, wholesale, and storage of consumer and display fireworks in unincorporated areas of Johnson County must occur on parcels zoned MH-Heavy Industrial, as defined in the Unified Development Ordinance. Additional supplemental conditions may apply.
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. For questions, contact the appropriate city hall or fire department. Incorporated municipalities in Johnson County include Coralville, Iowa City, Hills, Lone Tree, North Liberty, Oxford, Shueyville, Solon, Swisher, Tiffin and University Heights.
Applications for a fireworks permit and additional information are available at www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov/fireworks.