Des Moines is a landlocked city in central Iowa with no coastline, so no coastal development ordinance exists. Development near the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers is regulated by the city's floodplain management ordinance and FEMA flood maps under Chapter 42.
Iowa is a landlocked state and Des Moines has no ocean, bay, or coastal zone. No local coastal development ordinance exists, and the federal Coastal Zone Management Act does not apply. Land-disturbing activity near the Des Moines River, Raccoon River, or their tributaries is governed by Chapter 42 (Environment) floodplain regulations, which incorporate FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and require floodplain development permits for work in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA). Iowa Code Chapter 455B (Iowa DNR) provides statewide environmental standards for waterways. Chapter 42, Article XI governs stormwater management, grading, and erosion control for all land-disturbing projects.
Unpermitted development in FEMA-mapped floodplains may result in stop-work orders, permit revocation, loss of federal flood insurance eligibility, and civil penalties under Chapter 42.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines does not have a standalone tenant anti-harassment ordinance. Tenant protections come from Iowa Code 562A.36 retaliation rules and federal Fair Hou...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines allows ADUs in its neighborhood districts under Municipal Code Chapter 134, with building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits through De...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Chapter 134 historically required the owner to live in either the main house or the ADU, backed by a recorded affidavit. Since July 1, 2025, Iowa ...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. Chapter 60 (Housing) requires reasonable property maintenance and could ...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Chapter 48 (Noise) standards could theoretically apply to overnight blow...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Display timing, brightness, and animation are governed primarily by HOA and cond...
See how Des Moines's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
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