Historic Preservation in Des Moines, IA (2026)
1 verified historic preservation rules for Des Moines, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Historic-Cultural Monuments
Des Moines requires a certificate of appropriateness before anyone alters, reconstructs, or demolishes the exterior of a landmark or landmark site the city council has formally designated under Chapter 58, protecting buildings and places of historic, cultural, or aesthetic significance.
Des Moines Landmark Alteration Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsDes Moines Municipal Code § 58-62(a)
No owner or person in charge of a landmark or landmark site shall reconstruct, alter, or demolish all or any part of the exterior of such property or construct any improvement upon such designated property or cause or permit any such work to be performed upon such property until a certificate of appropriateness has been applied for and obtained for such work pursuant to this section. The develo...
Looking for Polk County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Des Moines city rules.
Historic Preservation in Polk County →