Fence Regulations in Des Moines, IA (2026)
6 verified fence regulations for Des Moines, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Des Moines limits fence heights in residential zones: 4 feet maximum in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards under the zoning ordinance. Corner lots have additional visibility triangle requirements.
Des Moines Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsPermit Requirements
Des Moines requires permits for most new fence installations. Applications go through the Permit and Development Center. Fences must comply with zoning setback and height requirements.
Des Moines Fence Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsNeighbor 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 limits fences to 3 ft in front yards and 6 ft in side and rear yards under Chapter 135 §135-7.11. Retaining walls over 4 ft (measured from bottom of footing) require a building permit under the adopted 2024 International Residential Code.
Fences Capped at 6 Ft; Retaining Walls Require Building Permit
Some RestrictionsPool Barriers
Des Moines Chapter 26, Division 5 requires all residential swimming pools to be completely enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. A building permit is required before pool installation or barrier construction.
Des Moines Requires 48-Inch Pool Barrier with Self-Latching Gates
Heavy RestrictionsMaterial Restrictions
Des Moines regulates fence materials and height through Chapter 135 (Planning and Design). Residential fences may not exceed 6 feet in side or rear yards or 3 feet in front yards. Barbed wire, concertina wire, and electric wire are prohibited in residential zones.