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Des Moines, IA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Trigger
10,000+ sq ft new impervious area
Governing standard
Iowa Stormwater Management Manual (ISWMM)
Enforcement
City engineer, Dept. of Public Works
Compliance document
Recorded Stormwater Facility Maintenance Agreement
Penalty
Misdemeanor or municipal infraction fine

Summary

Des Moines requires a stormwater management plan for any development adding more than 10,000 square feet of new impervious area, following Iowa Stormwater Management Manual standards enforced by the city engineer.

Any new development of land adding more than 10,000 square feet of new impervious area shall provide stormwater management as described in this article. This threshold is a cumulative amount of new square footage and may be reached over time in increments.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 38 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

Under Municipal Code § 42-560, any new development adding more than 10,000 square feet of new impervious area, or redevelopment disturbing 50 percent or more of a site, must submit a Stormwater Management Plan meeting the Iowa Stormwater Management Manual's small-storm and large-storm criteria, per § 42-561. A professional engineer certifies the plan, the city engineer approves it, and a recorded Stormwater Facility Maintenance Agreement binds the property to keep BMPs like detention ponds, bioswales and permeable pavement in working order, per §§ 42-562 through 42-564. Additions to single-family homes and exact-match impervious replacement are exempt.

Violations & Fines

Failure to install, maintain or repair required stormwater BMPs is a misdemeanor or municipal infraction under § 42-566, plus administrative penalties, cost-of-abatement assessments and possible termination of storm sewer access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every home addition in Des Moines need a stormwater plan?
No. Additions or modifications to single-family structures are exempt, along with impervious-area replacement that exactly matches the original footprint, per Municipal Code § 42-560(e).
What triggers the stormwater management requirement?
Any new development adding more than 10,000 square feet of new impervious area, or redevelopment disturbing 50% or more of a site, per § 42-560(a)-(c).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Des Moines

Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSignificant RestrictionsBoat Dock PermitsSignificant RestrictionsErosion ControlSome RestrictionsFlood Elevation RequirementsSome RestrictionsFlood ZonesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Coyote ManagementHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome Restrictions

All Des Moines rules

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