Des Moines's Fire Regulations: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles fire 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.
Propane Storage
Des Moines follows the Iowa-adopted International Fire Code under Chapter 8, capping residential propane cylinder size and quantity, requiring outdoor storage with setbacks from buildings, ignition sources, and property lines.
Key details: Code basis: IFC via DSM Ch. 8. Storage: Outdoors only. Indoor ban: Basements + bedrooms. Enforcement: DSMFD Fire Marshal.
Storing oversized tanks indoors, exceeding cylinder limits, blocking egress with tanks, or placing propane near ignition sources can trigger DSMFD orders to abate, fines, and removal at owner expense.
Brush Clearance
Des Moines adopts the International Fire Code via Chapter 46, which requires property owners to cut down and remove weeds, grass, vines, or other combustible vegetation that could be ignited and endanger property. Accumulations of combustible waste in yards or vacant lots are also prohibited.
Key details: Weed/grass height limit: 12 inches (§ 42-348). Governing fire code section: IFC § 304.1.2, adopted in Ch. 46. Enforcing agencies: Fire Marshal; Zoning Enforcement. Abatement process: Notice issued; city may mow at owner cost. Combustible waste prohibition: IFC § 304.1.1 yards and vacant lots.
Failure to abate vegetation nuisances can result in city-performed mowing billed to the property owner, civil penalties under § 1-15, and misdemeanor fines for IFC violations under Chapter 46.
Wildfire Zones
Des Moines has no local wildfire-zone overlay or Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) designation. The city adopts the International Fire Code (Chapter 46) for general fire prevention; open-burning and fire-hazard rules apply citywide, not via mapped fire zones.
Key details: WUI designation: None — not applicable. Governing code: Des Moines Code Ch. 46 (IFC). State authority: Iowa Code Ch. 100, State Fire Marshal. Open-burn rules: Ch. 46, Art. III citywide.
Violations of Ch. 46 fire-prevention provisions: civil penalty per the adopted IFC schedule; State Fire Marshal may impose $100–$500 per day per violation.
Des Moines is more permissive than most cities when it comes to wildfire zones. That said, there are still limits.
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).
Key details: Summer Window: June 1–July 8. Winter Window: Dec 10–Jan 3. Hours: 9 AM–10 PM (11 PM holidays). Age: 18+ to purchase. State Law: Iowa Code Ch. 727.
Illegal discharge outside permitted dates/hours is a simple misdemeanor. Fines of $250 or more. Injuries caused by illegal use may result in additional charges.
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.
Fire Pit Rules
Des Moines allows recreational fire pits with conditions: must use clean dry firewood, be contained in a pit or ring, maintained 15 feet from structures, and attended at all times. No burning of trash, yard waste, or treated wood.
Key details: Setback: 15 ft from structures. Fuel: Clean dry firewood only. Attendance: Must be attended always. Gas Fire Pits: Generally permitted. Extinguisher: Must be nearby.
Fire Department may order fire extinguished immediately. Fines for violations. Burning prohibited materials subject to Polk County Air Quality penalties.
Outdoor Burning
Open burning of refuse, rubbish, garbage, and landscape waste is prohibited in Des Moines under Polk County Air Quality regulations. Only recreational fires for cooking and warmth are permitted with specific conditions.
Key details: Open Burning: Prohibited since 1983. Recreational Fires: Allowed with conditions. Leaf Burning: Not permitted. Enforcement: Fire Dept + Polk County AQ.
Violations subject to fines from Polk County Air Quality. Fire Department may extinguish illegal burns. Fines range from $100 to $750.
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.
The Bottom Line
Des Moines is tougher than many cities when it comes to fire regulations. Out of the 6 rules covered here, 2 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.
These rules come from Des Moines's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.