Accessory Structures in Des Moines, IA (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Des Moines, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Des Moines expanded ADU allowances in 2022 and Iowa SF 592 further requires cities to permit ADUs. ADUs up to 1,000 sq ft or half the primary dwelling size are allowed. The city offers a 10-year tax abatement on ADU value.
Des Moines Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Des Moines permits Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) under the Zoning Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter 134, PlanDSM-aligned). ADUs are allowed in most residential zones (N1, N2, N3 neighborhood districts) as part of the 2019 zoning code overhaul. One ADU per single-family lot is permitted. Building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits route through the Des Moines Development Services Department. Iowa has no statewide ADU preemption; Title IX of the Iowa Code leaves zoning to home-rule municipalities.
Des Moines ADU Permits
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Iowa does not authorize municipal impact fees by general statute, so Des Moines does not assess traditional development impact fees on ADUs. Standard building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permit fees apply under the schedule adopted by City Council. Des Moines Water Works and the Wastewater Reclamation Authority charge connection fees only if new utility service is required for the ADU.
Des Moines ADU Impact Fees
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Des Moines Chapter 134 has historically required the property owner to reside on-site (in either the primary dwelling or the ADU) as a condition of ADU permit issuance. Verification is by recorded affidavit. Iowa has no statewide preemption of owner-occupancy mandates. HOA covenants may impose additional restrictions enforced under Iowa Code Chapter 499B (condominium) and common-law restrictive covenants.
Des Moines ADU Owner Occupancy
Some RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Des Moines requires a Rental Housing Permit under Chapter 60 (Housing) for any residential rental, including ADUs rented long-term. Short-term rentals (under 31 days) are regulated as 'transient occupancy lodging' under Chapter 134 with additional zoning approval and Hotel-Motel Tax remittance. Iowa Code 562A (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) governs long-term tenancies. Iowa Code 364.3(11) preempts local rent control.
Des Moines ADU Rental Restrictions
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Des Moines requires permits for most accessory structures. Sheds must comply with zoning setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage maximums. Small structures under a certain size may be exempt from permit requirements.
Des Moines Shed & Accessory Structure Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Garage conversions to living space in Des Moines require building permits and must meet residential building code standards. Off-street parking requirements must still be satisfied after conversion.
Des Moines Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Des Moines zoning permits carports as accessory structures in residential districts. Building permit required. Setback, height, and coverage rules apply per Chapter 135 accessory structure tables.
Des Moines Carports Allowed as Accessory Structures, Setbacks Apply
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Des Moines does not allow detached tiny houses below 1,100 sq ft as a primary dwelling under Chapter 134 (Zoning Ordinance), but it does permit Accessory Household Units (AHUs) up to 1,000 sq ft or 50% of the primary house floor area on lots zoned N, NX, A, DXR, RX1, or RX2 (Ordinance 15,816, eff. Dec. 16, 2019).