Des Moines's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Des Moines, Iowa, there are 8 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.

Native Plants

Des Moines prohibits grass and vegetation over 10 inches as a nuisance under Chapter 42. A 2024 amendment created exceptions for intentionally cultivated gardens, native plantings, and farmland, allowing residents to maintain prairie and pollinator gardens without violation.

Key details: Nuisance height threshold: 10 inches (grass/weeds). Native plantings exempted: Yes, if intentionally cultivated. Governing sections: Ch. 42 §§ 42-567–42-572. Enforced by: Des Moines Neighborhood Services. City abatement: Costs billed to owner.

Property owners receive a notice to abate. Failure to comply allows the city to mow and bill costs to the owner, plus a civil penalty. Repeated violations may result in fines and liens on the property.

Artificial Turf

Des Moines has no specific municipal ordinance banning or restricting artificial turf in residential yards. The city regulates grass and weed height under Chapter 42 (Nuisances), but synthetic turf is not addressed, making it permissive by default.

Key details: Artificial turf ban: None – no local restriction. Grass height limit: 12 inches max (natural grass). Governing code: Ch. 42 Nuisances; Ch. 134 Zoning. Enforcement: Neighborhood Services Division.

No penalty applies specifically to artificial turf. Violations of the 12-inch grass height limit under Chapter 42 are enforced by Neighborhood Services and may result in city abatement with costs billed to the property owner.

Des Moines is more permissive than most cities when it comes to artificial turf. That said, there are still limits.

Composting

Des Moines permits residents to compost organic yard and kitchen material on their property, provided it is suitably contained. Yard debris — grass clippings, leaves, and garden waste — is excluded from the city's solid-waste disposal prohibitions when composted properly.

Key details: Composting: Allowed if suitably contained. Yard debris exemption: Grass, leaves, garden waste. Governing chapter: Ch. 98 §§ 98-74 to 98-76. Nuisance rule: No odor or vector attraction.

Composting that creates a nuisance, odor, or attracts vectors may be cited under Ch. 42 nuisance provisions. Fines vary; repeated offenses may require abatement at the owner's expense.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Des Moines gives residents more flexibility on composting.

Rainwater Harvesting

Des Moines has no local ordinance restricting rainwater harvesting. Iowa state law imposes no limitations on rainwater collection, making rain barrels and cisterns fully legal throughout the city. The city's stormwater program even promotes rainwater harvesting as a best management practice.

Key details: Local ordinance restricting collection: None. State law restricting collection: None (Iowa Code Ch. 455B). Permit required: Not required for residential rain barrels. City stance: Encouraged as stormwater BMP. Nuisance caveat: Standing water must not breed mosquitoes.

No penalty for rainwater harvesting. Improperly maintained water storage creating mosquito breeding or other nuisance conditions could be cited under Ch. 42, § 42-348 with civil fines.

Des Moines is more permissive than most cities when it comes to rainwater harvesting. That said, there are still limits.

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.

Key details: Max Height: 12 inches. Notice Period: ~10 days to comply. City Mowing: Billed to owner if non-compliant. Cost: $250–$400 per city mow. State Law: Iowa Code Ch. 317 noxious weeds.

Municipal infraction. City mowing charge billed to owner (approximately $250-400 per mow). Liens may be placed on properties with unpaid charges.

Compared to other cities, Des Moines takes a harder line on grass height limits. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Tree Trimming

Des Moines requires property owners to maintain trees so they do not obstruct sidewalks, streets, or sight lines. Minimum clearance of 8 feet over sidewalks and 14 feet over streets is required.

Key details: Sidewalk Clearance: 8 ft minimum. Street Clearance: 14 ft minimum. Boulevard Trees: City handles major work. Forestry Division: Manages public trees.

Failure to trim after notice: municipal infraction. City may perform the work and bill the property owner.

Water Restrictions

Des Moines Water Works may impose seasonal watering restrictions during drought conditions. Odd/even watering schedules may be activated. Iowa generally has adequate water supply, so permanent restrictions are uncommon.

Key details: Restrictions: Seasonal/drought only. Schedule: Odd/even may apply. Water Source: Raccoon & Des Moines Rivers. Permanent: No standing restrictions.

During mandatory restrictions, violations may result in warnings and fines. Water service restrictions possible for repeat violators.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Des Moines gives residents more flexibility on water restrictions.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Des Moines requires permits for removing trees in the public right-of-way. Trees on private property may generally be removed by the owner, but boulevard trees between the sidewalk and curb are managed by the city's Forestry Division.

Key details: Private Trees: Generally no permit needed. Boulevard Trees: City-managed, approval needed. Historic Districts: Additional review may apply. EAB Program: Ash tree management active.

Unauthorized removal of a public tree: municipal infraction with fines and required replacement. Private tree removal generally unrestricted.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Des Moines gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 4 of the 8 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

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.