ADU rules in West Des Moines, IA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Unincorporated Polk County allows one ADU per property, up to 1,200 sq ft and no larger than the principal residence. The owner must live on-site, the ADU meets principal-dwelling setbacks, and none is allowed in a FEMA floodplain.
Article 4, Division 4 of the Zoning Ordinance permits one ADU per lot, attached to or integrated within the primary dwelling or an accessory structure. It may not exceed 1,200 sq ft of gross floor area (excluding garage, porch or deck) and may not be larger than the existing principal residence. It must meet the primary dwelling's setbacks, stay within lot-coverage limits, be architecturally compatible, and provide one added off-street parking space. The owner must reside on the property and record a deed restriction. Single-wide mobile homes, RVs, travel trailers and portable tiny homes are prohibited as ADUs, and no ADU is allowed in a FEMA-mapped floodplain.
Zoning violations are enforced by Polk County Planning & Development; unpermitted ADUs may be ordered removed or restored to accessory/single-family use per the required deed restriction.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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Polk County sets no lawn-watering schedule. Central Iowa's water is managed by Central Iowa Water Works / Des Moines Water Works, which can impose voluntary ...
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Iowa Code 317.10 requires every landowner to destroy all noxious weeds on their land as directed by the county board of supervisors. Polk County's Weed Commi...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in this county.
See how West Des Moines's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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