Des Moines's Sign Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles sign regulations a little differently. In Des Moines, Iowa, there are 2 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.

Garage Sale Signs

Des Moines allows temporary signs advertising yard sales, garage sales, and open houses only during the event. Signs may not exceed 6 square feet in area or 4 feet in height, must stay off public rights-of-way, and must be removed once the event ends.

Key details: Maximum sign area: 6 sq ft. Maximum sign height: 4 ft. Placement restriction: No public right-of-way or public property. Governing section: Ch. 134, § 134-1276. Permit required: No permit needed during event.

Illegal signs placed in the right-of-way are subject to city removal without notice. Zoning violations for oversized or improperly placed signs may result in citations under Ch. 134 with civil fines under § 1-15.

Holiday Displays

Des Moines exempts non-commercial seasonal and holiday decorations from sign permit requirements under Chapter 26, Article VIII. Residential holiday displays — lights, wreaths, inflatable decorations — do not require a permit provided they carry no commercial message.

Key details: Permit required: No, for non-commercial displays. Commercial holiday banners: Temporary sign permit required. Governing article: Ch. 26 Art. VIII. Administered by: Building Inspections Division. Severity: Permissive for decorations.

Unpermitted commercial signs may result in removal orders and civil fines of up to $500 per day under Chapter 26. Non-commercial holiday decorations face no permit penalty.

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

The Bottom Line

Des Moines's sign 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.