If you’ve driven along north Highway 4 in Jefferson lately, you might have seen a few extra businesses popping up.

For the first time since the Iowa Legislature legalized fireworks, Jefferson has had its first glimpse of temporary businesses selling them. The bill that was passed last year allows for the sale and use of fireworks from June 1st through July 8th and from December 10th through January 3rd. Jefferson Building Official Nick Sorensen tells Raccoon Valley Radio that a business that wants to sell fireworks must first obtain a state permit through the State Fire Marshal’s office. Then, as part of the City’s process, Sorensen says the business fills out a Peddler’s permit form at City Hall and fireworks are only allowed to be sold in light industrial-zoned properties.

However, City Administrator Mike Palmer says Jefferson residents are not allowed to shoot off fireworks in town.

“The City’s never allowed to have fireworks shot off in the corporate limits and that stays the same. In that case, we’re kind of ahead of the game. There’s all this controversy where fireworks can be put off, bought and sold, and shot off. We’re just pretty much of the opinion they just can’t be shot off in the corporate limits.”

The only way a resident can shoot off fireworks in town is if they apply for a permit through the City and it is approved by the City Council at one of their regular meetings.