Des Moines's Fence Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles fence regulations a little differently. In Des Moines, Iowa, there are 6 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Retaining Walls

Des Moines limits fences to 3 ft in front yards and 6 ft in side and rear yards under Chapter 135 §135-7.11. Retaining walls over 4 ft (measured from bottom of footing) require a building permit under the adopted 2024 International Residential Code.

Key details: Front yard max height: 3 ft (picket or metal). Side/rear yard max height: 6 ft. Permit threshold: Fences >3 ft (chain-link >4 ft). Retaining wall permit: Required over 4 ft exposed. Governing code: Ch. 135 §135-7.11; 2024 IRC.

Unpermitted or out-of-code fences and walls are zoning infractions; Zoning Enforcement Division issues notices of violation and may require removal or modification.

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. A building permit is required before pool installation or barrier construction.

Key details: Minimum barrier height: 48 inches (4 feet). Maximum opening size: 4-inch sphere cannot pass through. Gate requirement: Self-closing, self-latching, pool-side latch. Governing section: Ch. 26, Art. III, Div. 5, §§ 26-346–26-349. Permit required: Yes — pool and barrier both require permit.

Failure to install or maintain a code-compliant barrier is a municipal infraction. Citations may be issued per day until corrective action is taken. Unpermitted pools or barriers may require removal at owner's expense.

This is one of the stricter rules in Des Moines's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Material Restrictions

Des Moines regulates fence materials and height through Chapter 135 (Planning and Design). Residential fences may not exceed 6 feet in side or rear yards or 3 feet in front yards. Barbed wire, concertina wire, and electric wire are prohibited in residential zones.

Key details: Front yard max height: 3 feet. Rear/side yard max height: 6 feet. Prohibited materials: Barbed, concertina, electric wire. Permit required above: 3 ft (4 ft chain-link/wire). Governing chapter: Ch. 135 § 135-7.11.

Violations are handled by Des Moines Zoning Enforcement. Unpermitted or non-compliant fences are subject to stop-work orders, removal orders, and civil fines up to $500 per day.

Height Limits

Des Moines limits fence heights in residential zones: 4 feet maximum in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards under the zoning ordinance. Corner lots have additional visibility triangle requirements.

Key details: Front Yard: 4 ft maximum. Side/Rear: 6 ft maximum. Corner Lots: Visibility triangle rules. Variance: Board of Adjustment.

Zoning violation: municipal infraction. Fines and requirement to bring fence into compliance or obtain a variance.

Neighbor Fence Rules

Iowa follows the common boundary fence law. Des Moines encourages neighbors to discuss fence plans before construction. Fences on shared property lines may require mutual agreement or survey verification.

Key details: State Law: Iowa Code Ch. 359A. Cost Sharing: Possible under state law. Finished Side: Should face neighbor. Disputes: Civil matter or fence viewer.

Fence disputes are typically civil matters between neighbors. Code enforcement applies only to violations of height, setback, or material rules.

The rules around neighbor fence rules in Des Moines lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Permit Requirements

Des Moines requires permits for most new fence installations. Applications go through the Permit and Development Center. Fences must comply with zoning setback and height requirements.

Key details: Permit: Required for most fences. Where: Permit & Development Center. Utilities: Call 811 before digging. Survey: Recommended before building.

Building without a permit: municipal infraction. May require removal or modification of non-compliant fence. Permit fees are non-refundable.

The Bottom Line

Des Moines's fence regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Des Moines is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Des Moines's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.