Property Maintenance in West Des Moines, IA (2026)
3 verified property maintenance rules for West Des Moines, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Property Blight
A West Des Moines building that is unfit for human habitation, kept in an unsanitary condition that endangers neighbors, or meets the definition of a dangerous building under the 1988 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings is a declared nuisance under City Code § 4-4-2(D). The City can order repairs, board it up, or demolish it and bill the owner.
West Des Moines Dilapidated Building Nuisance Rule
Significant RestrictionsWest Des Moines City Code § 4-4-2(D)
D. Dilapidated Buildings: Any building or other structure which is in such a dilapidated condition that it is unfit for human habitation, or kept in such an unsanitary condition that it is a menace to the health of people residing in the vicinity thereof, or any building or structure defined as a dangerous building in the uniform code for the abatement of dangerous buildings, 1988 edition, as a...
Vacant Lot Maintenance
In the City of West Des Moines, weeds or vegetation allowed to grow past ten inches, or any accumulation of dead weeds, grass, brush, or trees, is a declared nuisance on any occupied or unoccupied lot under City Code § 4-4-2(A). An empty parcel gets no pass: the same ten-inch ceiling that applies to a mowed yard applies to a vacant, undeveloped lot inside city limits.
West Des Moines Vacant Lot Weed Nuisance Rule
Some RestrictionsWest Des Moines City Code § 4-4-2(A)
A. Weeds: Weeds or vegetation allowed to grow to a height greater than ten inches (10"), or any accumulation of dead weeds, grass, brush, or trees on any occupied or unoccupied lot or land.
Snow & Sidewalk Clearing
West Des Moines requires the owner of any property abutting a public sidewalk to clear snow and ice within 24 hours after a storm ends, under City Code section 7-1-5. The Director of Public Services can extend that window in extraordinary weather, but a property owner who misses the deadline can be issued a municipal citation under Iowa Code section 364.22.
West Des Moines Sidewalk Snow Removal Deadline
Some RestrictionsWest Des Moines City Code § 7-1-5
7-1-5: REMOVAL OF SNOW AND/OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS: ... ... D. Obligation Of Property Owner: 1. The owner of any property abutting a public sidewalk with the exception of bike paths and combination bike paths/pedestrian walkways maintained by the city, shall remove snow, ice and accumulations from sidewalks within a reasonable time but in no case more than twenty-four (24) hours following the cess...