Des Moines's Noise from Specific Sources: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles noise from specific sources a little differently. In Des Moines, Iowa, there are 4 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.
Delivery Truck Noise
Des Moines bars garbage trucks and other solid-waste collection vehicles from picking up or emptying dumpsters within 150 feet of a residential zone between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., protecting nearby homes from early-morning collection noise.
Key details: Restricted hours: 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.. Buffer zone: Within 150 feet of residential zoning. Enforced by: Community development and police departments. Penalty: Simple misdemeanor or municipal infraction. Exempt: Schools, hospitals; city manager may waive.
Violating the collection-hours limit is a simple misdemeanor or municipal infraction, punishable by a criminal or civil penalty under Section 1-15, enforced by community development and police.
Low-Frequency Bass Limits
Des Moines bans car stereo bass or vibration clearly detectable 50 feet away during the day, tightening to 25 feet after 7 p.m., under Municipal Code Section 42-259(d), enforced by community development and police.
Key details: Daytime limit: Detectable at 50 feet is illegal. Nighttime limit: Detectable at 25 feet is illegal. Daytime hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.. Nighttime hours: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.. Covers: Cars, RVs, watercraft, vessels.
A first offense is a simple misdemeanor or municipal infraction, punishable by criminal or civil penalty under Des Moines Municipal Code Section 1-15; police and community development can also impound the sound source.
HVAC & Mechanical Noise
Des Moines bars businesses from letting sound leak out through walls, roof openings, vents or rooftop mechanical units, including HVAC condensers, when the noise crosses into a noise disturbance under the city's noise ordinance.
Key details: Governing section: Municipal Code § 42-256(e). What's covered: sound escaping via rooftop mechanical units, vents. Applies to: businesses inside Des Moines city limits. Standard: no numeric limit: must avoid 'noise disturbance'. Penalty: misdemeanor fine or up to $750 civil penalty.
Violating Sec. 42-256(e) is enforced under the citywide noise ordinance's general penalty, Sec. 1-15: a misdemeanor fine or a municipal infraction civil penalty up to $750 per violation, $1,000 for repeat offenses.
Bar & Nightclub Noise
Des Moines bars and nightclubs playing background music outdoors need a Type "E" sound permit capping noise at 65 dBCs, enforced by the community development department.
Key details: Permit type: Type "E" background sound permit. Noise limit: 65 dBCs at property boundary. Zones allowed: Commercial, mixed-use, East Village areas. Permit term: Up to one year. Enforcing agency: Community development department.
Operating amplified sound equipment outdoors without a Type "E" permit, exceeding the 65 dBC limit, or using speakers past business hours violates the code; the department can deny or revoke the permit, with penalties under the article's general penalty section.
The Bottom Line
Des Moines's noise from specific sources 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.
This guide is based on Des Moines's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.