West Des Moines, IA Fence Regulations: Neighbor Fence Rules (2026)

Section 9-14-11.A.1.c of the West Des Moines Zoning Code sets the city's rule for who gets the good side of a boundary fence: single-faced fences must have their unfinished side, the side showing exposed posts, rails and hardware, facing toward the property on which the fence is erected, meaning the owner who builds the fence keeps the exposed framing on their own side and presents the finished face outward to the neighbor or the street. The same section requires every fence, regardless of which side faces which yard, to be built in a sound and sturdy manner and kept upright, non-sagging and in good condition, including prompt replacement of defective or missing parts and repainting as needed.

Chapter 9-14-11 also bars fence materials and colors that are bright or fluorescent, requires visible fence faces to be an earth tone, neutral or natural color unless the City approves a specific design theme, and prohibits copy, images, logos or artwork on a fence face visible from outside the property unless it is an approved sign. Because West Des Moines does not otherwise assign fence construction or repair costs between adjoining owners in its code, boundary fence responsibility here is limited to this orientation-and-maintenance standard rather than a shared-cost rule; a homeowner disputing a neighbor's fence placement or condition should raise the specific section 9-14-11 requirement at issue with Development Services.