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CityRuleLookup

Public Health Rules in Des Moines, IA (2026)

5 verified public health rules for Des Moines, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Restaurant Grade Cards

Polk County Public Health (under Iowa DIA contract) inspects Des Moines food establishments and posts inspection reports online, though Iowa does not use letter grades like A/B/C systems.

Polk County restaurant inspection program

Some Restrictions

Rodent Control

Des Moines property owners must keep premises free of rodent harborage; Polk County Public Health investigates rodent complaints and the city Neighborhood Services Department issues abatement orders.

Rat and rodent abatement on private property

Some Restrictions

Bed-Bug Rules

Des Moines rental property owners must address bed bug infestations as a habitability issue under Ch. 60 housing standards; tenants must cooperate with treatment and avoid moving infested items.

Bed bug responsibility in rental housing

Some Restrictions

Syringe Disposal

Iowa law allows pharmacy syringe sales without prescription and Des Moines residents can dispose of household sharps via Metro Waste Authority programs; needle exchanges are limited under state law.

Sharps disposal and syringe access

Few Restrictions

Food Handler Certification

Iowa food code requires every Des Moines food establishment to employ at least one Certified Food Protection Manager who has passed an ANSI-accredited exam such as ServSafe.

Food protection manager certification

Some Restrictions