Fireworks Permit

The use or exploding of fireworks is prohibited in the City of Ames except when done in accordance with a permit authorized by the City Council (Section 727, Code of Iowa). Upon receipt of an application, the City Council may permit the display or exploding of fireworks by any group or organization if the fireworks will be handled by a competent operator. 

The filing fee for an application to display fireworks is $25. Click on the following link to access the permit application: 

City of Ames Application for Permit to Display Fireworks(PDF, 248KB)

City of Ames Insurance Requirements 

• Comprehensive General Liability limits in the amount of $1,000,000 combined single limit and Excess Liability limits in the amount of $5,000,000. Coverage shall be at least as broad as the ISO Form Number CG0001 covering commercial general liability written on an occurrence basis only.
• Applicant and/or Sponsor must be named as certificate holder(s).
• The City of Ames, its officers, and employees must be named as additional insured. 
• A copy of the current insurance certificate must be filed with the City Clerk. 

Displays on Iowa State University Property 

For displays based on property owned by Iowa State University, including Stuart Smith Park, please follow the instructions on the ISU website: 

ISU Fireworks Instructions

The ISU application form and insurance requirements are different! Applications and insurance certificates must be submitted to the ISU Office of Risk Management with a $100 fee. After processing, ISU will forward the application, insurance certificate, and City's portion of the fee to the City Clerk's Office for City Council approval.