Building Safety in Des Moines, IA (2026)
8 verified building safety rules for Des Moines, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Lead Paint
Des Moines enforces lead-safe practices in pre-1978 housing through Chapter 8 building rules, Chapter 60 nuisance enforcement, and federal EPA RRP rules, with Polk County Public Health managing childhood lead poisoning case investigations.
Lead-Based Paint and Renovation Rules
Heavy RestrictionsIowa Code §§ 135.101–135.102 (Childhood lead poisoning prevention program)
135.101 Childhood lead poisoning prevention program. There is established a childhood lead poisoning prevention program within the department. The department shall implement and review programs necessary to eliminate potentially dangerous toxic lead levels in children in Iowa... 135.102 Rules. The department shall adopt rules, pursuant to chapter 17A, regarding the: ... 3. Maximum blood lead le...
Elevator Maintenance
Elevators in Des Moines buildings are regulated under Iowa Code Chapter 89A by the state Elevator Safety Bureau within Iowa Workforce Development, requiring annual inspections, state permits, and licensed contractors for installation and repair.
Elevator Inspection and Maintenance Rules
Some RestrictionsIowa Code § 89A.6 (Elevator inspections — reports — nonliability)
89A.6 Inspections — reports — nonliability. All new and existing conveyances, except dormant conveyances, shall be tested and inspected in accordance with the following schedule: 1. Every new or altered conveyance shall be inspected and tested before the operating permit is issued. 2. Every existing conveyance registered with the director shall be inspected within one year after the effective d...
Scaffold & Sidewalk Shed
Scaffolding on Des Moines construction sites must comply with OSHA Subpart L and Iowa OSHA enforcement, while right-of-way encroachment, sidewalk closures, and pedestrian protection are permitted by the city Engineering Department.
Scaffolding and Construction Safety Rules
Some RestrictionsPest Control
Des Moines requires property owners under Chapter 60 nuisance and Chapter 8 building rules to keep buildings free from rats, roaches, bed bugs, and other vermin, with rental owners responsible for extermination during tenancy under Iowa habitability law.
Pest Control and Habitability Standards
Some RestrictionsFire Sprinkler Requirements
Des Moines applies the Iowa-adopted International Building and Fire Codes under Chapter 8 to require sprinklers in most multi-family and large new construction, with one- and two-family dwellings governed by IRC amendments rather than a citywide mandate.
Residential Fire Sprinkler Requirements
Some RestrictionsChildcare Center Rules
Childcare centers in Des Moines must meet Iowa Department of Health and Human Services licensing standards plus IBC Group E or I-4 building, fire, and egress rules under Chapter 8, with state inspections layered on top of city building permits.
Childcare Center Building Rules
Heavy RestrictionsIowa Code § 237A.2 (Licensing of child care centers)
237A.2 Licensing of child care centers. 1. A person shall not establish or operate a child care center without obtaining a license under the provisions of this chapter. A center may operate for a specified period of time, to be established by rule of the department, if application for a license has been made... The department shall issue a license if it determines that all of the following cond...
Door Locking Hardware
Des Moines requires exit doors in commercial, assembly, and multi-family buildings to comply with International Building Code egress hardware standards under Chapter 8, prohibiting key-operated locks on required egress doors except in narrow approved cases.
Egress Door Locking Hardware Rules
Some RestrictionsGreen Building Code
Des Moines does not impose a mandatory green building code beyond Iowa's adopted IECC energy code, but the 2024 Climate Action Plan promotes voluntary high-performance standards, EV-ready wiring, and electrification incentives for new construction.
Green Building and Climate Action Rules
Few RestrictionsIowa Code § 103A.7 (State building code — sustainable design / green building standards)
103A.7 State building code. 1. The state building code commissioner with the approval of the advisory council is hereby empowered and directed to formulate and adopt and from time to time amend or revise and to promulgate... reasonable rules designed to establish minimum safeguards in the erection and construction of buildings and structures... 2. The rules shall include reasonable provisions f...