Des Moines limits fences to 3 ft in front yards and 6 ft in side and rear yards under Chapter 135 §135-7.11. Retaining walls over 4 ft (measured from bottom of footing) require a building permit under the adopted 2024 International Residential Code.
Chapter 135 (Planning and Design Ordinance, Ord. No. 15,816) §135-7.11 governs fence and wall requirements. Front-yard fences are limited to 3 ft (picket or metal only); side and rear fences may reach 6 ft. Fences within 5 ft of the house are capped at 4 ft. A permit is required for fences taller than 3 ft (or chain-link/wire taller than 4 ft). Decorative side must face outward. Chain-link is prohibited in local historic districts. Retaining walls over 4 ft in exposed height require a building permit and engineer review under the 2024 IRC, adopted by Des Moines effective January 1, 2026. Vision clearance zones at intersections and alleys (15 ft) must be maintained. Variances handled by the Zoning
Unpermitted or out-of-code fences and walls are zoning infractions; Zoning Enforcement Division issues notices of violation and may require removal or modification.
Des Moines, IA
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Des Moines, IA
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Des Moines, IA
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Des Moines, IA
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Des Moines, IA
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Des Moines, IA
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