INDEPENDENCE, Mo. -- After 20 years of being banned, fireworks will once again be legal in Independence, Mo.

After a loud and difficult debate, city official agreed to legalize fireworks once again within their city limits on July 3 to 5.

Some council members were concerned about fire safety and noise during the three days of legal fireworks celebration.

But others said the toll it was taking on the police department was too much and it was easier to allow the fireworks to be shot off.

"Despite the ban, it hasn't been widely accepted," City Manager Robert Heacock said. "So fireworks have been widely used. You'd hear them for days before and after. It's been really difficult for the police department to effectively enforce the ordinance."

The measure allows a person 16 and older to possess and use consumer grade fireworks from July 3 to July 5.

Other community fireworks restrictions:

Blue Springs: According to the city’s Web site, the city's fireworks ordinance allows certain types on July 1-3 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and July 4 from 10 a.m. to midnight.

Kansas City, Mo: Not allowed.

Kansas City, Ks: Allows fireworks July 2-4 from 9 a.m.to 11 p.m. for private use. Fireworks are not allowed in parks.

Independence, Mo.: Anyone 16 and older can use and/or possess consumer grade fireworks between the hours of 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. from Friday, July 3, and Sunday, July 5; and from 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday, July 4. Fireworks can be sold beginning Tuesday, June 23, until noon, Sunday, July 5.

Gladstone, Mo.: Not allowed.

Liberty, Mo: "It is unlawful to sell, discharge, fire or make use of fireworks in the City, with limited exceptions:"

The discharge of aerial fireworks from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. is lawful July 3 through July 4 on tracts of land three (3) acres or larger. Aerial fireworks are those that, when ignited, are intended to reach over six (6) feet in height.

The discharge of non-aerial fireworks from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. is lawful July 3 through July 4. Non-aerial fireworks are those that, when ignited, are not intended to reach six (6) feet in height.

The City may issue special use permits to sell fireworks in the City.

The City may issue a special permit for a public display of fireworks by properly qualified individuals, under the direct supervision of fireworks experts, under certain conditions.

Raytown, Mo.: Fireworks are allowed for use July 4 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., but only with a permit. The permit is free and can be picked up at one of the three venders within the City or from the Fire Station Headquarters. Persons 16 and younger must have direct supervision from someone over the age of 25.

Leawood, Kan.: Fireworks are prohibited.

Shawnee, Kan.: Fireworks are allowed with a permit. The permit is $15.

Olathe, Kan.: Fireworks are prohibited.

Lenexa, Kan.: Most fireworks are prohibited. Only novelty items such as sparklers, caps, smoke bombs and snakes are allowed.