Environmental Rules in Des Moines, IA (2026)
9 verified environmental rules for Des Moines, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Des Moines requires stormwater management plans for development sites disturbing one acre or more, plus permanent post-construction best management practices to control runoff into the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers.
Stormwater management and post-construction runoff
Some RestrictionsErosion Control
Des Moines requires a grading permit and erosion and sediment control plan for most land-disturbing activities. Chapter 42, Article XI governs stormwater management, drainage, erosion, and grading, requiring Best Management Practices (BMPs) on construction sites.
Grading Permit and Erosion Control Required for Land Disturbance
Some RestrictionsCoastal Development
Des Moines is a landlocked city in central Iowa with no coastline, so no coastal development ordinance exists. Development near the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers is regulated by the city's floodplain management ordinance and FEMA flood maps under Chapter 42.
No Coastal Development Rules; Floodplain Rules Apply Instead
Few RestrictionsFlood Zones
Des Moines has significant flood risk areas along the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers. The city participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). A Floodplain Development Permit is required for any construction or development in mapped flood hazard areas.
Des Moines Flood Zone Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsGrading & Drainage
Des Moines Chapter 42, Article XI requires grading permits for land-disturbing activities meeting specific size thresholds, especially near floodplains and waterways. Projects disturbing one acre or more must also obtain an Iowa DNR stormwater construction permit.
Des Moines Grading Permits Required for Land Disturbance Near Water
Some RestrictionsVehicle Idling Restrictions
Des Moines has no general idling cap ordinance, but state truck-stop electrification rules and DSM school zone signage discourage diesel idling near schools, hospitals, and residential areas to protect air quality.
Vehicle idling limits in Des Moines
Few RestrictionsClimate Emergency Mobilization
Des Moines adopted a Climate Action and Adaptation Plan in 2024 committing the city to net-zero community greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with interim 28% reduction by 2030 and 100% renewable city operations.
Des Moines Climate Action Plan and emissions targets
Some RestrictionsSustainable Procurement
Des Moines applies sustainable procurement preferences for city departments, favoring Energy Star, recycled-content paper, EV and hybrid fleet vehicles, and low-VOC products under the city Sustainability Office purchasing guidance.
City sustainable purchasing policy
Few RestrictionsHeat Island Mitigation
Des Moines addresses urban heat islands through tree planting, cool roof incentives in new commercial construction, and equity-focused canopy expansion in low-income neighborhoods identified in the 2024 Climate Action Plan.