Fence Regulations in Des Moines, IA (2026)
3 verified fence regulations for Des Moines, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fence Permit Requirements
Des Moines requires a building permit for most fences, but chain link or wire fences four feet or less and all other fences three feet or less are exempt.
Des Moines Fence Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsDes Moines Municipal Code § 26-302
A building permit shall not be required for the following: ... (2) Chain link or wire fences four feet or less in height and all other fences three feet or less in height.
Neighbor Fence Rules
Iowa follows the common boundary fence law. Des Moines encourages neighbors to discuss fence plans before construction. Fences on shared property lines may require mutual agreement or survey verification.
Des Moines Fence Neighbor Rules
Few RestrictionsIowa Code §§ 359A.1A, 359A.2 (Partition fences; trimming hedge fences)
359A.1A Partition fences. The respective owners of adjoining tracts of land shall upon written request of either owner be compelled to erect and maintain partition fences, or contribute thereto, and keep the same in good repair throughout the year. 359A.2 Trimming and cutting back. If said fence be hedge, the owner thereof shall trim or cut it back twice during each calendar year, the first tim...
Retaining Walls
Des Moines exempts retaining walls holding four feet or less of unbalanced fill from a building permit, but taller walls, ones bearing a surcharge, or ones impounding flammable liquids need a permit from the building official.
Des Moines Retaining Wall Height Rules
Some RestrictionsDes Moines Municipal Code § 26-302(a)(5)-(6)
A building permit shall not be required for the following: ... (5) Retaining walls, which retain no more than four feet of unbalanced fill, do not support a surcharge, and do not impound flammable liquids. (6) Retaining walls which are part of a public improvement project regulated by the city engineer.
Looking for Polk County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Des Moines city rules.
Fence Regulations in Polk County →