A Resident's Guide to Des Moines's Local Ordinances

Des Moines is a mid-sized city in Polk County, Iowa, with about 214000 residents. Like most cities its size, it has a set of local rules that may differ significantly from neighboring municipalities. Here is an overview of 170 ordinances across 40 categories that affect daily life in Des Moines.

Animal Ordinances

Dog Leash Laws: Des Moines requires dogs to be on a leash or under direct control at all times when off the owner's property under Chapter 18. Dogs running at large are a violation and may be impounded by Animal Control..

Also covered: Chickens & Livestock (moderate), Cat Rules (moderate), Mandatory Spay/Neuter (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for Des Moines for details.

Fire Regulations

Fireworks: Iowa legalized consumer fireworks in 2017 under Iowa Code Chapter 727. Des Moines allows consumer fireworks June 1–July 8 and December 10–January 3, with permitted hours of 9 AM to 10 PM (extended to 11 PM on July 4 and December 31)..

Also covered: Propane Storage (moderate), Brush Clearance (moderate), Wildfire Zones (permissive). See the full fire regulations guide for Des Moines for details.

Building Safety

Lead Paint: Des Moines enforces lead-safe practices in pre-1978 housing through Chapter 8 building rules, Chapter 60 nuisance enforcement, and federal EPA RRP rules, with Polk County Public Health managing childhood lead poisoning case investigations..

Also covered: Fire Sprinkler Requirements (moderate), Door Locking Hardware (moderate), Pest Control (moderate). See the full building safety guide for Des Moines for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Permit Requirements: Des Moines requires short-term rental operators to obtain a rental certificate and board of adjustment approval before operating. STRs are defined as commercial lodging for less than 30 consecutive days.

Also covered: Host Presence Rule (permissive), Primary-Residence-Only Rule (permissive), Night Caps (permissive). See the full short-term rentals guide for Des Moines for details.

Rental Property Rules

Source-of-Income Discrimination: Des Moines amended its Civil and Human Rights Code to bar housing discrimination based on lawful source of income, including Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. Landlords may not refuse a tenant solely because rent is paid with a voucher..

Also covered: Rent Control (permissive), Rental Registration (moderate), Section 8 Voucher Acceptance (strict). See the full rental property rules guide for Des Moines for details.

Public Health Rules

Restaurant Grade Cards: Polk County Public Health (under Iowa DIA contract) inspects Des Moines food establishments and posts inspection reports online, though Iowa does not use letter grades like A/B/C systems..

Also covered: Rodent Control (moderate), Bed-Bug Rules (moderate), Syringe Disposal (permissive). See the full public health rules guide for Des Moines for details.

Homelessness & Encampment Rules

Sit-Lie Rules: Des Moines does not have a dedicated sit-lie ordinance. Sidewalk and right-of-way obstruction is enforced through general public-conduct provisions in Code Ch.

Also covered: Encampment Sanitation (moderate), Bridge Housing Siting (permissive). See the full homelessness & encampment rules guide for Des Moines for details.

Cannabis Regulations

Dispensary Zoning: Iowa licenses medical cannabidiol dispensaries under Iowa Code §124E; Des Moines hosts state-licensed dispensaries subject to standard commercial zoning and state buffer requirements..

Also covered: Home Cultivation (strict), Buffer Zones (moderate), Cannabis Delivery Rules (strict). See the full cannabis regulations guide for Des Moines for details.

Single-Use Items

Plastic Bag Rules: Iowa Code §455B.302 (2017) prohibits Iowa cities and counties from banning, taxing, or regulating plastic bags, foam containers, and similar auxiliary containers; Des Moines has no plastic bag fee..

Also covered: Polystyrene Foam Rules (permissive), Plastic Straw Rules (permissive). See the full single-use items guide for Des Moines for details.

Tobacco & Vaping

Tobacco Age Restrictions: Iowa raised the legal sales age for tobacco, vape, and alternative nicotine products to 21 under Iowa Code §453A.2; Des Moines retailers must verify ID and cannot sell to anyone under 21..

Also covered: Flavored Tobacco Bans (permissive), Vape Retail Rules (moderate). See the full tobacco & vaping guide for Des Moines for details.

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Des Moines has significant flood risk areas along the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers. The city participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Also covered: Stormwater Management (moderate), Climate Emergency Mobilization (moderate), Vehicle Idling Restrictions (permissive). See the full environmental rules guide for Des Moines for details.

Water Use Rules

Lawn Watering Restrictions: Des Moines Water Works, the regional water utility serving DSM and surrounding cities, asks customers to follow voluntary odd-even outdoor watering schedules during summer peak demand and may impose mandatory restrictions during drought emergencies..

Also covered: Turf Replacement Rebates (permissive), Leak Reporting Duty (moderate). See the full water use rules guide for Des Moines for details.

Zoning Overlays & Bonuses

Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC): Des Moines encourages higher-density transit-oriented development along DART bus corridors and at proposed bus rapid transit stations, with PlanDSM 2040 prioritizing walkable mixed-use nodes near MLK and University Avenue routes..

Also covered: Specific Plans Overview (moderate), Density Bonus Law (moderate). See the full zoning overlays & bonuses guide for Des Moines for details.

Mobility & Curb Rules

Bike Lane Rules: Des Moines operates striped bike lanes, protected lanes downtown, and connections to the Greater Des Moines Trails network of roughly 800 paved miles; cyclists must follow Iowa rules of the road and DSM trail-specific speed and yielding rules..

Also covered: Red-Light Cameras (moderate). See the full mobility & curb rules guide for Des Moines for details.

Tree Protection

Tree Replacement Requirements: Des Moines requires a tree removal and mitigation plan for any development activity under Chapter 42, Article X. No grading permit, site plan, or subdivision plat is approved until a plan is filed.

Also covered: Parkway Planting (moderate), Urban Forest Equity (permissive), Tree Removal Permits (moderate). See the full tree protection guide for Des Moines for details.

Business Licensing & Operations

Adult Entertainment: Des Moines licenses adult entertainment establishments under Ch. 42 with strict zoning buffers, age restrictions, and operational limits enforced by the City Clerk and DSMPD vice unit..

Also covered: Massage Establishments (strict), Secondhand Dealers (moderate), Tobacco Retail License (strict). See the full business licensing & operations guide for Des Moines for details.

Public Conduct

Aggressive Panhandling: Des Moines prohibits aggressive panhandling under Ch. 70, banning threatening conduct, blocking pedestrians, and solicitation near ATMs, while protecting passive panhandling as constitutional speech..

Also covered: Public Urination (moderate), Public Alcohol Use (moderate), Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (moderate). See the full public conduct guide for Des Moines for details.

Employment Preemption

Minimum Wage Preemption: Iowa Code §331.304 preempts local minimum wage laws statewide; the 2017 HF 295 retroactively voided the Polk County and Des Moines wage increases, leaving the federal $7.25 floor in effect..

Also covered: Paid Leave Preemption (permissive). See the full employment preemption guide for Des Moines for details.

Hotels & Lodging

Transient Occupancy Tax: Des Moines lodging guests pay a combined ~13% tax: 7% city hotel-motel tax plus Iowa's 6% state sales tax, with revenues funding tourism, convention center, and Iowa Events Center operations..

Local Taxes & Fees

Vacancy Tax: Des Moines does not impose a vacancy tax on empty residential or commercial properties; Iowa preemption and Polk County tax structure leave property tax as the sole annual carrying cost..

Immigration Policy

Sanctuary Policy Preemption: Iowa SF 481 (2018) prohibits cities and counties from adopting sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities; Des Moines and Polk County must honor ICE detainers or risk state funding loss..

Trash & Recycling

Bin Placement Rules: Des Moines regulates when and where residents place trash and recycling containers for collection under Chapter 98. Carts must be curbside by 7 a.m.

Also covered: Pickup Rules & Schedules (moderate), Bulk Item Disposal (moderate). See the full trash & recycling guide for Des Moines for details.

Building Setbacks & Zoning

Lot Coverage Limits: Des Moines Chapters 134 and 135 regulate lot coverage and setbacks in residential Neighborhood (N) districts. For standard House A, B, and C building types, maximum building coverage is 35% and maximum total impervious area is 55%.

Also covered: Setback Rules (moderate), Structure Height Limits (moderate). See the full building setbacks & zoning guide for Des Moines for details.

Sign Regulations

Garage Sale Signs: Des Moines allows temporary signs advertising yard sales, garage sales, and open houses only during the event. Signs may not exceed 6 square feet in area or 4 feet in height, must stay off public rights-of-way, and must be removed once the event ends..

Also covered: Holiday Displays (permissive). See the full sign regulations guide for Des Moines for details.

Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors

Vending Zones: Des Moines requires a Mobile Vendor or Transient Merchant License under Chapter 78 (Peddlers and Solicitors) to operate a food truck. Vending is permitted at six designated city parks and approved street locations; special events in downtown require a separate special-events permit..

Landscaping Rules

Grass Height Limits: Des Moines requires property owners to keep grass and weeds below 12 inches under the property maintenance code. The city actively enforces with notices and may mow non-compliant properties, billing the owner..

Also covered: Native Plants (moderate), Artificial Turf (permissive), Composting (permissive). See the full landscaping rules guide for Des Moines for details.

Soliciting & Door-to-Door

Solicitor Permits: Des Moines requires all peddlers and solicitors to obtain a city license before conducting business. Applicants must submit a written application, pass a state criminal background check, be fingerprinted and photographed by police, and post a $1,000 surety bond..

Also covered: No-Knock Registry (moderate). See the full soliciting & door-to-door guide for Des Moines for details.

Garage & Yard Sales

Time Restrictions: Des Moines restricts residential garage and yard sales to no more than two events per calendar year, each lasting a maximum of four consecutive days. No permit is required, but sales must occur only in residential zoning districts and follow hours set by the nuisance code..

Also covered: Frequency Limits (moderate), Garage Sale Permits (permissive). See the full garage & yard sales guide for Des Moines for details.

Property Maintenance

Property Blight: Des Moines enforces a Blighted Structure Code under Chapter 60, Article III, authorizing the city to order repair, rehabilitation, or demolition of properties deemed blighted. Owners must remediate or face city-led abatement with costs assessed against the property..

Also covered: Vacant Lot Maintenance (moderate), Trash Bin Storage (moderate), Garage Sale Rules (moderate). See the full property maintenance guide for Des Moines for details.

Curfew Laws

Park Curfew: Des Moines Municipal Code Chapter 74 establishes hours of operation for all city parks, set by the Parks and Recreation Board. Entering or remaining in a city park outside posted hours is prohibited.

Also covered: Juvenile Curfew (moderate). See the full curfew laws guide for Des Moines for details.

Fence Regulations

Pool Barriers: Des Moines Chapter 26, Division 5 requires all residential swimming pools to be completely enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching.

Also covered: Retaining Walls (moderate), Material Restrictions (moderate), Height Limits (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Des Moines for details.

Noise Ordinances

Leaf Blower Rules: Des Moines has no ordinance specifically targeting leaf blowers. General noise rules in Chapter 42, Article IV restrict domestic power tools and outdoor power equipment to daytime hours.

Also covered: Amplified Music & Events (moderate), Barking Dogs (moderate), Quiet Hours (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Des Moines for details.

Solar Energy

Panel Permits: Des Moines requires building and electrical permits for rooftop solar photovoltaic installations under Chapter 26. Permits are obtained through the Permit and Development Center; the process follows the International Building and Energy Conservation Codes as locally adopted..

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: Des Moines requires all swimming pools to be enclosed by a barrier at least 4 feet high. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching.

Also covered: Hot Tub Rules (moderate), Pool Permits (moderate), Safety Rules (strict). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Des Moines for details.

Parking Rules

Overnight Parking: Des Moines prohibits parking any vehicle on a public street in one spot for more than 24 hours. Sign-posted streets may carry overnight bans (e.g., 10 p.m.–7 a.m.).

Also covered: EV Charging (permissive), Commercial Vehicle Restrictions (moderate), Driveway Rules (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Des Moines for details.

Outdoor Lighting

Light Trespass: Des Moines prohibits outdoor lighting that causes glare or spills onto adjacent residential properties and public rights-of-way. Chapter 134 Article IV and Chapter 135 site-design standards require shielded, downward-directed fixtures.

Also covered: Dark Sky Rules (permissive). See the full outdoor lighting guide for Des Moines for details.

Accessory Structures

ADU Permits: Des Moines permits Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) under the Zoning Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter 134, PlanDSM-aligned). ADUs are allowed in most residential zones (N1, N2, N3 neighborhood districts) as part of the 2019 zoning code overhaul.

Also covered: Carport Rules (moderate), Tiny Homes (moderate), ADU Owner Occupancy (moderate). See the full accessory structures guide for Des Moines for details.

Outdoor Cooking

BBQ & Propane Rules: Des Moines Fire Code under Chapter 26, Article XII adopts the International Fire Code (IFC). IFC 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas tanks over 1 pound on combustible balconies of multi-family buildings of three or more units, and within 10 feet of combustible construction.

Also covered: Smoker Rules (moderate), Outdoor Kitchen Permits (moderate). See the full outdoor cooking guide for Des Moines for details.

Holiday Decorations

Holiday Light Rules: Des Moines has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Display timing, brightness, and animation are governed primarily by HOA and condominium covenants under Iowa Code Chapter 499B.

Also covered: Lawn Ornament Rules (moderate), Inflatable Display Rules (permissive). See the full holiday decorations guide for Des Moines for details.

Home Business

Signage Rules: Des Moines prohibits exterior signage for home occupations in residential zones. No signs, banners, or displays advertising the business may be placed on the property or visible from outside the home..

Also covered: Zoning Restrictions (moderate), Customer Traffic Restrictions (moderate). See the full home business guide for Des Moines for details.

What to Do With This Information

Think of this as a map of the regulatory landscape in Des Moines. For any rule that directly affects a decision you are making, click through to the full ordinance page for penalty details and exceptions, and confirm with the city if the stakes are high.