Building Setbacks & Zoning in Des Moines, IA (2026)
3 verified building setbacks & zoning rules for Des Moines, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
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.
Setback Requirements Set by Zoning District in Chapters 134 and 135
Some RestrictionsStructure Height Limits
Des Moines limits building heights through Chapter 135 building-type standards and Chapter 134 district rules. Residential buildings in Neighborhood (N) districts are generally capped at 2.5 stories; mixed-use and commercial districts allow greater heights, reviewed through the development approval process.
Building Height Capped by District and Building Type in Chapter 135
Some RestrictionsLot Coverage Limits
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%.