Shed permit rules in West Des Moines, IA — also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations — set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
A shed under 720 sq ft must sit at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines; larger sheds need 10 feet. Sheds must be at least 10 feet from the house, cannot exceed 24 feet in height, and generally cannot go in the front yard.
Article 4, Division 6, Section 1 governs residential accessory buildings, including sheds. A shed use must be subordinate and incidental to the principal residence and on the same lot. If the gross floor area is 720 sq ft or less it must be at least 5 feet from side or rear property lines; if more than 720 sq ft, at least 10 feet. Accessory buildings must be at least 10 feet from the principal structure, may not exceed the height of the principal building or 24 feet (whichever is greater), and count toward the district's building-coverage limit. A shed generally may not sit in front of the house unless setback and separation exceptions are met.
Building/zoning permits are required for accessory buildings; noncompliant structures are enforced by Polk County Planning & Development and may be subject to correction orders or removal.
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