Business Licensing & Operations, Des Moines

Des Moines maintains 123 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with business licensing & operations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Des Moines falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Massage Establishments

Des Moines requires anyone practicing massage therapy in the city to hold a state license under Iowa Code Chapter 152C; practicing or advertising as a massage therapist without one is a municipal infraction and a misdemeanor.

Key details: License required: Iowa Code Chapter 152C. Must display license: on request to customer or city. Unlicensed operation: triggers placard closure. Violation penalty: municipal infraction plus misdemeanor. Enforced by: Des Moines Police Department.

Practicing or advertising as a massage therapist without a valid Iowa Code Chapter 152C license is a municipal infraction and a misdemeanor; police can placard the business 'Unsafe to Enter' until it's licensed or shut down.

Secondhand Dealers

Anyone buying, selling, or storing junk in Des Moines needs a salvage dealer license from the city clerk, plus detailed transaction records and compliance with segregation orders from the police department.

Key details: License required: Salvage dealer license required before operating. Expiration: Licenses expire every June 30. Record retention: Buyer records kept on-site 1+ year. Item hold: Police can order 45-day item hold. Revocation penalty: 180-day wait after license revocation.

Operating without a license is a misdemeanor punishable by fine, or a municipal infraction with civil penalties; the city clerk can suspend, revoke, or deny renewal of a license for code violations.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Des Moines actively enforces its secondhand dealers requirements.

Tobacco Retail License

Des Moines tobacco retailers need an Iowa state permit plus city compliance, with strict 21+ age verification under IA Code §453A.2 and routine compliance checks by DSMPD and Polk County Health.

Key details: Min Age: 21 years (Tobacco 21). Permit: Iowa ABD. ID Check: Anyone under 30. Authority: IA Code §453A.2.

Permit suspension up to 60 days, fines up to $1,500, possible criminal charges for repeated underage sales, and revocation after multiple violations.

Compared to other cities, Des Moines takes a harder line on tobacco retail license. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Towing Companies

Tow operators working private-property impounds and DSMPD rotation calls in Des Moines must hold city permits, post rate sheets, and follow Iowa Code §321.90 release-of-property rules.

Key details: Authority: IA Code §321.90. Personal Items: Retrievable without payment. Rates: Posted at storage lot. Callback: Within 1 hour.

Permit revocation, civil penalties, refund orders to vehicle owners, and consumer-protection complaints to the Iowa Attorney General.

Pawnbrokers

Des Moines requires anyone operating a pawn business to hold a pawnbroker license from the city clerk, backed by a criminal background check and a zoning department review.

Key details: License required: Yes, from city clerk. License expires: December 31 every year. Mandatory hold period: 15 calendar days before resale. Purchase hours barred: 6 p.m.–8 a.m. daily. Revoked license wait: 1 year before reapplying.

Violating the division, falsifying records, or failing a police/zoning review can get a license suspended, revoked, or denied renewal after a hearing before the police chief or community development director; revoked licensees wait one year to reapply.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Des Moines actively enforces its pawnbrokers requirements.

The Bottom Line

Des Moines is tougher than many cities when it comes to business licensing & operations. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Des Moines, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Des Moines can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.