West Des Moines, IA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)

West Des Moines Zoning Code section 9-14-6 governs accessory buildings, and subsection C.8.i specifically folds play sheds, play structures, dog runs and swing sets into the same setback and height rules that apply to detached garages and storage sheds. In the RS, R-1, SF-VJ and SF-CR single-family districts, and for religious, institutional or civic uses in residential zones, the code caps the combined footprint of all detached accessory buildings on a lot at 1,000 square feet; elsewhere the ceiling is 10 percent of total lot area.

Exterior walls of a detached shed cannot rise above 12 feet, measured from existing grade to the roof peak, and retaining walls or foundations count toward that height. Section 9-14-6.C.8.c adds a sliding setback: once an exterior wall running parallel to the property line tops eight and one-half feet or runs longer than 24 feet, the shed must sit back from the line by a distance equal to the wall's own height. A shed also cannot be placed forward of the main plane of the principal dwelling.

Small sheds get a building-permit break: under the city's amendment to IBC section 105.2 (City Code section 8-2A-3), a one-story detached accessory structure of 200 square feet or less without a permanent foundation is exempt from a building permit, though it still must meet the section 9-14-6 size, height and setback limits. Development Services' Building Official enforces the chapter and can order an unsafe or noncompliant shed altered or removed at the owner's expense under section 9-14-5.E.