West Des Moines, IA Animal Ordinances: Pet Groomer Rules (2026)

City Code Section 9-6-6 sets out Table 6.1, the use matrix governing West Des Moines' commercial and industrial zoning districts, including RC, CMC, NC, CVC, SC, VJC, VJHB, WR, BP, VJLI, LI, GI, OF, PCP, and OS. Under SIC classification 0752, Animal Specialty Services except veterinary, the table splits pet grooming into two lines depending on whether animals are left outside. The line for 'Grooming, no unattended animal(s) outside' carries a 'P' designation, meaning Section 9-6-3.A treats it as a permitted use by right, though the operator still needs city review and site plan development approval for new construction or an expansion of the use.

The line for 'Grooming, with outdoor holding pens/cages/runs' instead carries a 'Pc' designation. Section 9-6-3.B defines a Pc use as one requiring review and approval by the Board of Adjustment before a new use, an expansion, or a change in operation can proceed, so the City can secure more information about the use's operational characteristics and apply conditions limiting impacts on surrounding properties. In practice, a groomer that keeps every animal indoors can open by right wherever SIC 0752 is allowed, while a groomer that adds outdoor pens, cages, or runs for animals must first secure Board of Adjustment approval of a conditional use permit for that location. Section 9-6-3.C makes both variants subject to every other applicable provision of Title 9's zoning code.