Des Moines's Fence Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles fence regulations a little differently. In Des Moines, Iowa, there are 3 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 exempts retaining walls holding four feet or less of unbalanced fill from a building permit, but taller walls, ones bearing a surcharge, or ones impounding flammable liquids need a permit from the building official.

Key details: Permit-exempt height: 4 ft or less unbalanced fill. Also exempt if: no surcharge, no flammable liquids. Public-project walls: exempt, city engineer regulated. Enforced by: Development Services building official. Applies in: Des Moines city limits only.

Building a permit-required retaining wall without one is a code violation; the building official can issue a stop-work order, and unpermitted work is enforceable as a misdemeanor or municipal infraction under the city's general penalty section.

Fence Permit Requirements

Des Moines requires a building permit for most fences, but chain link or wire fences four feet or less and all other fences three feet or less are exempt.

Key details: Permit-exempt: chain link/wire: 4 ft or less. Permit-exempt: other fences: 3 ft or less. Permit required above: those heights. Issuing office: Development Services / building official. Late-permit penalty: fee may be doubled.

Building without a required permit lets the building official double the normal permit fee under § 26-139, and the work must still be brought into compliance regardless of the fee paid.

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.

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.