Property Maintenance in Des Moines, IA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Des Moines or are thinking about moving there, property maintenance are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Des Moines has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of property maintenance, and some of them might surprise you.

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Des Moines prohibits vegetation over 12 inches and accumulations of junk, debris, or rubbish on vacant lots under the city's nuisance code. The Neighborhood Services Zoning Enforcement Division inspects and can abate violations at the owner's expense.

Key details: Weed/grass height limit: 12 inches maximum. Governing sections: Ch. 42 Art. VI; Ch. 60 Art. III. Enforcement: Neighborhood Services Zoning Enforcement. Abatement recovery: Special assessment on property.

Notice to owner; if uncorrected, city abates and levies cost as a property special assessment. Civil fine may also be issued; repeat violations can result in escalating penalties.

Trash Bin Storage

Des Moines Chapter 98 (Solid Waste) regulates residential garbage container specifications and placement. City-issued wheeled carts must be placed at the curb by 7 a.m. on collection day, no earlier than 5 p.m. the previous evening, and within 18 inches of the street.

Key details: Carts out by: 7:00 a.m. on collection day. Earliest set-out: 5:00 p.m. previous evening. Distance from street: No more than 18 inches. Clearance required: 3 ft from structures/mailboxes. Cart sizes issued: 96-gallon or 64-gallon wheeled.

Violations of container placement or use rules may result in a warning or civil fine under Chapter 98 enforcement. Repeated violations can lead to escalating penalties assessed by the Public Works Department.

Property Blight

Des Moines enforces a Blighted Structure Code under Chapter 60, Article III, authorizing the city to order repair, rehabilitation, or demolition of properties deemed blighted. Owners must remediate or face city-led abatement with costs assessed against the property.

Key details: Governing code: Ch. 60 Art. III §§ 60-195 et seq.. Enforcement agency: Neighborhood Inspections Division. Owner remedy options: Repair, rehabilitate, or demolish. Cost recovery: Lien on property if city abates.

Non-compliance with a repair or demolition order results in the city performing abatement; all costs are assessed as a lien against the property. Civil fines may also be levied per violation.

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

Garage Sale Rules

Des Moines residents may hold no more than two garage sales per year, each lasting a maximum of four consecutive days. Sales must involve used household goods sold by the owner on a non-commercial, non-profit basis. Exceeding these limits requires a business license.

Key details: Sales allowed per year: 2 per calendar year. Max duration per sale: 4 consecutive days. Permit required?: No permit for compliant sales. Goods allowed: Used household items only. Enforced by: Neighborhood Services.

Operating beyond the two-sale or four-day limits without a business license is a municipal infraction; fines typically start at $100 and may escalate for repeat violations.

The Bottom Line

Des Moines's property maintenance 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.