West Des Moines, IA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)

Title 9, Chapter 7 of the City Code sets bulk regulations for every residential zoning district in a single matrix, Table 7.1, covering maximum unit density, minimum lot area and minimum open space together. The open space line applies to standard lots (not footprint lots) and reads 75 percent for the Agricultural/Open Space (OS) district and 25 percent for every other residential district listed: Residential Estate (RE), Residential Single-Family (RS), R-1, SF-CR, SF-VJ, VJHB, Manufactured Housing (MH), Residential Medium-Density (RM) and Residential High-Density (RH). Because the matrix does not print a separate "maximum lot coverage" line, the open space floor is the operative limit on how much of a residential lot's area a building, driveway or other impervious surface can occupy: a standard R-1 lot, for example, cannot exceed 75 percent lot coverage once the 25 percent minimum open space is reserved.

The Interpretations section of the same chapter, 9-7-3, states that any matrix cell without a numerical figure or marked "n/a" means the use is not allowed in that district at all, underscoring that these percentages are treated as firm zoning standards rather than guidance. The Director of Community Development reviews site and building plans against Table 7.1 at the building permit stage before construction can begin on any residential lot in the city.