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Outdoor Lighting in Des Moines, IA (2026)

2 verified outdoor lighting rules for Des Moines, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Dark Sky Rules

Des Moines regulates outdoor lighting through Chapter 134 (Zoning) general requirements, prohibiting glare that impacts neighboring properties, but has not adopted a formal dark sky or International Dark-Sky Association ordinance with color-temperature or curfew rules.

Outdoor Lighting Glare Controls in Zoning; No Dark Sky Ordinance

Few Restrictions

Light Trespass

Des Moines prohibits outdoor lighting that causes glare or spills onto adjacent residential properties and public rights-of-way. Chapter 134 Article IV and Chapter 135 site-design standards require shielded, downward-directed fixtures. No standalone foot-candle or curfew ordinance has been adopted.

Zoning Prohibits Light Trespass; No Standalone Foot-Candle Ordinance

Some Restrictions