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Des Moines, IA Building Safety: Door Locking Hardware (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Applies to
Rental dwelling units and rooming units
Rule
No keys/tools needed to exit
Escape openings
Same no-key standard for window bars/grilles
Enforced by
Rental housing inspection division

Summary

Rental units in Des Moines must have exit doors that open from inside without a key, tool, or special knowledge, under the city's Rental Property Maintenance Code.

Means of egress doors shall be readily openable from the side from which egress is to be made without the need for keys, special knowledge or effort, except where the door hardware conforms to that permitted by another applicable code.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 38 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

Des Moines Municipal Code § 60-167 requires every rental structure to keep a safe, unobstructed path of travel to the public way, and it specifically bars keyed hardware on the exit side of egress doors: they must open without keys, special knowledge, or unusual effort unless another applicable code permits that hardware. The related emergency-escape-opening rule at § 60-168 applies the same no-key, no-tool standard to bedroom window and door escape openings, including any bars or grilles installed over them. The city's rental inspection division enforces this as part of routine rental licensing inspections.

Violations & Fines

Cited under the Rental Property Maintenance Code as a life-safety violation; the rental unit can be flagged as non-compliant and the owner ordered to correct the hardware before the rental license is renewed or the property is re-inspected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Des Moines landlord install a deadbolt that needs a key from inside?
No. Section 60-167 requires egress doors to open from the inside without a key, special knowledge, or unusual effort.
Are security bars allowed on bedroom windows?
Yes, if they release from inside without a key or tool and the opening still meets the required size and smoke-alarm conditions under § 60-168.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Des Moines

Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSignificant RestrictionsBuilding PermitsSome RestrictionsCarbon Monoxide DetectorsSome RestrictionsLead PaintHeavy RestrictionsElectrical PermitsSome RestrictionsBuilding InspectionsSome RestrictionsPlumbing PermitsSome RestrictionsElevator MaintenanceSome RestrictionsGreen Building CodeFew RestrictionsFire Sprinkler RequirementsSome RestrictionsChildcare Center RulesHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Coyote ManagementHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome Restrictions

All Des Moines rules

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