Iowa does not authorize municipal impact fees by general statute, so Des Moines does not assess traditional development impact fees on ADUs. Standard building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permit fees apply under the schedule adopted by City Council. Des Moines Water Works and the Wastewater Reclamation Authority charge connection fees only if new utility service is required for the ADU.
Iowa Code Title IX does not provide general statutory authorization for development impact fees; only narrow utility connection fees are permitted under Iowa Code 384.84. Des Moines therefore does not assess transportation, parks, or general impact fees on residential construction including ADUs. Cost components for an ADU are limited to: (1) Plan review and building permit fees under the schedule in Chapter 26 (Buildings), scaled to construction value (typically $5 per $1,000 valuation, minimum $50); (2) Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical trade permit fees; (3) Sewer connection fees from Wastewater Reclamation Authority (WRA) - only when new lateral is needed; (4) Water connection fees from Des Moines Water Works (DMWW) - only when new tap is installed. Shared utilities with the primary dwelling avoid (3) and (4). Stormwater management fees under Chapter 102 may apply for added impervious surface above thresholds. Polk County also charges nominal recording fees for any required easements. Historic Preservation Commission review fees may apply in designated districts under Chapter 58.
Failure to pay required permit fees blocks issuance and inspection scheduling. Continuing work without permits triggers Chapter 60 municipal infractions up to $750 per day. Unpaid fees and infraction judgments may be filed as liens under Iowa Code 364.12A. Disputes over fee assessments may be appealed administratively or in Polk County District Court.
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