Amusement devices, rides, concession booths, and related electrical equipment at Iowa carnivals or fairs need a director-issued permit before operation.
1. No amusement device or ride, concession booth, or any related electrical equipment shall be operated at a carnival or fair in this state without a permit having been issued by the director to an operator of such equipment. On or before the first of May of each year, any person required to obtain a permit by this chapter shall apply to the department for a permit on a form furnished by the director which form shall contain such information as the director may require. The director may waive the requirement that an application for a permit must be filed on or before the first of May of each year if the applicant gives satisfactory proof to the director that the applicant could not reasonably comply with the date requirement and if the applicant immediately applies for a permit after the need for a permit is first determined. For the purpose of determining if an amusement ride, amusement device, concession booth, or any related electrical equipment is in safe operating condition and will provide protection to the public using such ride, device, booth, or related electrical equipment, each amusement ride, amusement device, concession booth, or related electrical equipment shall be inspected by the director before it is initially placed in operation in this state, and shall thereafter be inspected at least once each year. 2. If, after inspection, an amusement device or ride, concession booth, or related electrical equipment is found to comply with the rules adopted under this chapter, the director shall, upon payment of the permit fee and the inspection fee, permit the operation of the amusement device or ride or concession booth or to use any related electrical equipment. 3. If, after inspection, additions or alterations are contemplated which change a structure, mechanism, classification, or capacity, the operator shall notify the director of the operator’s intentions in writing and provide any plans or diagrams requested by the director. [C73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §88A.2] 2017 Acts, ch 54, §76; 2023 Acts, ch 19, §1764