Des Moines, IA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit-exempt: chain link/wire
- 4 ft or less
- Permit-exempt: other fences
- 3 ft or less
- Permit required above
- those heights
- Issuing office
- Development Services / building official
- Late-permit penalty
- fee may be doubled
Summary
Des Moines requires a building permit for most fences, but chain link or wire fences four feet or less and all other fences three feet or less are exempt.
A building permit shall not be required for the following: ... (2) Chain link or wire fences four feet or less in height and all other fences three feet or less in height.
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 Des Moines Municipal Code § 26-302, taller fences need a building permit from the building official before you install them: over 4 feet for chain link or wire, over 3 feet for wood, vinyl, or other fence types. Permit exemption does not authorize work that otherwise violates the building code or other city ordinances, and separate zoning compliance still applies. This is a city-only rule. Polk County and neighboring cities like West Des Moines, Urbandale, Ankeny, Clive, Windsor Heights, and Pleasant Hill set their own fence permit thresholds.
Violations & Fines
Building without a required permit lets the building official double the normal permit fee under § 26-139, and the work must still be brought into compliance regardless of the fee paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a 3-foot wood fence in Des Moines?
What about a 5-foot chain link fence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Des Moines
Compare Des Moines to another location·View the Iowa fence regulations overview
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