Outdoor Lighting in West Des Moines, IA (2026)
3 verified outdoor lighting rules for West Des Moines, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
In the City of West Des Moines, outdoor "wall pack" fixtures are banned in commercial and residential districts, and every exterior light fixture citywide must be a cutoff-type designed to stop glare and light spillover from crossing the property line.
West Des Moines Exterior Lighting Cutoff Rule
Some RestrictionsWest Des Moines City Code § 9-10-4
7. Exterior Lighting: The following standards shall apply to all exterior lighting. a. The use of "wall pack" lights shall be prohibited in the following districts and situations: (1) Neighborhood Commercial District. (2) Convenience Commercial District. (3) All residential districts. (4) For any nonresidential use which abuts a residential district where the building or structure t...
Light Trespass & Shielding
In the City of West Des Moines, Zoning Code section 9-14-6 requires every light fixture mounted on or near an accessory building, including detached garages, sheds and carports, to be downcast or shielded. The fixture must also be positioned so its glare and spillover light do not cross the property line onto a neighbor's yard.
West Des Moines Shielded Light Fixture Rule
Some RestrictionsWest Des Moines City Code § 9-14-6
6. All light fixtures mounted on, or in proximity to, accessory buildings or structures shall be downcast or shielded and located to eliminate glare and spillover lighting beyond the property line.
Billboard Lighting
In the City of West Des Moines, City Code section 9-18-15 bans interior illumination on billboards outright. Only external illumination is allowed, and it must be designed to minimize light spillage onto adjacent properties and roadways. Billboards themselves may only stand in the General Industrial and Agricultural/Open Space zoning districts.
West Des Moines Billboard Lighting Rules
Significant RestrictionsWest Des Moines City Code § 9-18-15(D)(7)(k)
7. Billboards: ... An off premises sign, that identifies or communicates commercial or noncommercial messages related to an activity conducted, a service rendered, or a commodity sold at a location other than where the sign is located. ... ... k. Illumination: Interior illumination shall be prohibited. External illumination shall be allowed but must be designed to minimize light spillage onto a...