Des Moines establishes building setbacks by zoning district through Chapters 134 and 135. Residential districts use a block-averaging approach for front setbacks, with minimum side yards of 5–8 feet and rear yards of 25–35 feet, depending on building type and district.
Zoning Ordinance No. 15,816 (Chapter 134) and the Planning and Design Standards (Chapter 135) jointly govern setbacks. Front setbacks in residential Neighborhood (N1, N2, N2a, N2b) districts are based on block averaging — the average of existing front setbacks on the same block face — rather than fixed minimums, to maintain neighborhood character. Minimum interior side yards range from 5 feet (N1) to 7–8 feet (N2); corner side yards are typically 10–15 feet. Rear yard minimums are generally 25–35 feet depending on building type. Chapter 135 building type tables (§135-2) set the precise measurements for each building type (House A, B, C, etc.). Variances are reviewed by the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Setback violations are zoning code violations; Zoning Enforcement Division may issue notices of violation, require removal or modification, and assess civil fines.
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