Des Moines Chapters 134 and 135 regulate lot coverage and setbacks in residential Neighborhood (N) districts. For standard House A, B, and C building types, maximum building coverage is 35% and maximum total impervious area is 55%. Front yard impervious area is limited to 25%.
Chapter 134 (Zoning Ordinance No. 15,816, adopted October 2019) establishes Neighborhood (N) districts — N1a through N5 — for residential use. Chapter 135 (Planning and Design Ordinance) sets building type standards. For House A, B, and C types: maximum building coverage is 35% of the lot; maximum total impervious area is 55%; an additional 15% semi-pervious surface is allowed. The maximum impervious area within any front yard is 25%. Front setback is 25 feet (block averaging may apply); interior side setbacks are 7 feet per side (15 feet combined); rear setbacks range from 30–40 feet by district. Variances are reviewed by the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Development Services administers the code.
Building or paving in excess of lot coverage limits triggers a stop-work order and may require removal or variance approval. Violations are municipal infractions; fines escalate with repeat or uncorrected violations.
Des Moines, IA
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See how Des Moines's lot coverage limits rules stack up against other locations.
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