Noise from Specific Sources in Des Moines, IA (2026)
4 verified noise from specific sources rules for Des Moines, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
HVAC & Mechanical Noise
Des Moines bars businesses from letting sound leak out through walls, roof openings, vents or rooftop mechanical units, including HVAC condensers, when the noise crosses into a noise disturbance under the city's noise ordinance.
Des Moines Bans HVAC Noise Escaping Buildings
Some RestrictionsDes Moines Municipal Code § 42-256(e)
No business shall allow sound to escape a structure through walls, rooftops, openings in the building, including but not limited to, vents, roof top mechanical units, doors or windows left open, except for the ingress and egress of customers, so as to create a noise disturbance.
Bar & Nightclub Noise
Des Moines bars and nightclubs playing background music outdoors need a Type "E" sound permit capping noise at 65 dBCs, enforced by the community development department.
Des Moines Bar and Nightclub Sound Permits
Some RestrictionsDes Moines Municipal Code § 42-258(f)(5)
A type "E" permit may be issued for a commercially zoned area, mixed use zoned area, East Village noise control area or a commercially zoned PUD or PBP area for sound equipment to be used in an outdoor area in conjunction with an approved business use emitting music or human speech, excluding live music, registering not more than 65 dBCs... when measured at the property boundary, edge of design...
Delivery Truck Noise
Des Moines bars garbage trucks and other solid-waste collection vehicles from picking up or emptying dumpsters within 150 feet of a residential zone between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., protecting nearby homes from early-morning collection noise.
Des Moines Trash Collection Truck Noise Curfew
Some RestrictionsDes Moines Municipal Code § 42-259(e)
No person operating or in control of a garbage truck or other motor vehicle engaged in the business of solid waste collection, shall use such vehicle to pick up or empty a dumpster or other container used for the collection or storage of solid at any location in, or within 150 feet of, a zoning district or portion of a PUD district that includes a residential use, between the hours of 7:00 p.m....
Low-Frequency Bass Limits
Des Moines bans car stereo bass or vibration clearly detectable 50 feet away during the day, tightening to 25 feet after 7 p.m., under Municipal Code Section 42-259(d), enforced by community development and police.
Des Moines Vehicle Bass and Sound System Limits
Some RestrictionsDes Moines Municipal Code § 42-259(d)
No person operating or in control of a motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, watercraft, or vessel shall operate or permit the operation of a sound system in the vehicle so as to produce a vibration or sound that is clearly detectable at a distance of 50 feet from the vehicle between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. or clearly detectable at a distance of 25 feet from the vehicle between the ...
Looking for Polk County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Des Moines city rules.
Noise from Specific Sources in Polk County →