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Des Moines, IA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Permit required
Any installation, alteration, repair, remodel
Issued to
Licensed plumbing contractor only
Fee
Set by city council resolution
Enforced by
City building official
Exempt
Routine maintenance (leaks, faucets)

Summary

Des Moines requires a plumbing permit for any installation, alteration, repair, replacement, or remodel regulated by the State Plumbing Code, plus a fee set by city council resolution.

Plumbing permits are required for any installation, alteration, repair, replacement, or remodel to a plumbing system regulated by the State Plumbing Code. A fee for each plumbing permit shall be paid to the building official in the amount set in the schedule of fees adopted by the city council by resolution.

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 adopts the Iowa State Plumbing Code under Municipal Code § 26-601 and enforces it locally: any installation, alteration, repair, replacement, or remodel to a regulated plumbing system needs a permit from the building official, plus the fee set by city council resolution (§ 26-606). Permits issue only to a licensed plumbing contractor, state or city licensed, under § 26-608, and excavation permits for street or sidewalk work can't be issued until the plumbing permit is obtained. Routine maintenance like fixing leaks, clearing stoppages, or repairing faucets doesn't need a permit unless it involves excavating a street, parking area, or sidewalk (§ 26-607).

Violations & Fines

Working without a plumbing permit, or deviating from approved plans without the building official's permission, is a violation of the plumbing code and can trigger enforcement action under Chapter 26.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to fix a leaky faucet in Des Moines?
No. Routine maintenance like repairing leaks, clearing stoppages, or fixing faucets and closet tanks doesn't need a plumbing permit, unless the work requires excavating a street, parking area, or sidewalk (§ 26-607).
Who can pull a plumbing permit in Des Moines?
Only a person holding a current plumbing contractor's license from the City of Des Moines or the State of Iowa can obtain a plumbing permit, per § 26-608(a).
Does Des Moines use its own plumbing code?
No. Des Moines adopts the Iowa State Plumbing Code under § 26-601 and enforces it locally, with city-specific additions where the city's rules are more restrictive than the state code.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Des Moines

Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSignificant RestrictionsBuilding PermitsSome RestrictionsCarbon Monoxide DetectorsSome RestrictionsLead PaintHeavy RestrictionsElectrical PermitsSome RestrictionsDoor Locking HardwareSome RestrictionsBuilding InspectionsSome 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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