(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic City Council, Wednesday, discussed recent changes to the law, with regard to setting the size limits of fireworks used within the City, and hours of sale for fireworks. In his City Council Agenda notes, City Administrator John Lund has said there are two questions that have been raised as the result of recent legislative action: “Does the City have the authority to set size limits for fireworks within the City?,” and “Can the City set business hours for the sale of fireworks?”

He said according to Iowa League of Cities Deputy Director of Services Mickey Shields, the Legislature intends to prevent local governments from placing restrictions specifically on fireworks vendors. While a city may have some leeway to regulate general business hours through zoning ordinances, such regulations must apply broadly and not single out specific types of businesses, such as those selling fireworks. Even then, Shields advised caution, given the current legal landscape surrounding fireworks sales and state law. Regarding the size and type of fireworks, Shields said a section of the Iowa Code outlines general restrictions on what qualifies as “consumer fireworks” and includes provisions for other categories. He said also, the State Fire Marshal has authority over what vendors can sell through the state’s permitting and licensing process.

Atlantic CC meeting, 7-16-25

A citizen of Atlantic voiced his displeasure with the way some of his neighbors have been using fireworks, and the resulting debris left on his property, along with the danger of a fire starting on his outdoor furniture and deck caused by the reckless use of fireworks.

He said it essentially boils down to being respectful of your neighbor and aware of the costly danger in using fireworks.

No action was taken by the Council during their meeting. In other business, the Atlantic City Council passed the second reading of an amended ordinance with regard to “Parking Violations.” The Ordinance (#1060) says “Uncontested Violations of parking restrictions…shall be charged upon a simple notice of a fine, payable at the office of the City Clerk.” The fine amounts to $30 for all violations EXCEPT snow route parking violations and improper use of a persons with disabilities parking permit. Those fines are $50 and $100, respectively. Any fines not paid within 30 days, will be increased by $20.

The Atlantic City Council passsed also, a Resolution “Assessing unpaid fees and costs to property taxes,” in cases where City employees have to deal with property cleanup and mowing, nuisance abatements, emergency services or utility disconnections, or other municipal services performed, due to non-compliance by the property owner. There are currently 10 properties where fees amounting to a total of $10,903.28 have not been paid.