Iowa permits open carry of handguns by qualifying adults statewide, though local preemption under Iowa Code 724.28 prevents stricter city rules.
Iowa Code chapter 724 allows open carry of handguns by adults age 21 and older who are not prohibited persons, consistent with permitless carry reforms enacted in 2021. Long guns may generally be carried openly in public places when not otherwise restricted. Iowa Code 724.4 still criminalizes carrying weapons with intent to use them unlawfully. Local governments may not adopt stricter open carry rules due to preemption in Iowa Code 724.28, though private property owners may post no-firearms restrictions.
Carrying a weapon unlawfully under section 724.4 is an aggravated misdemeanor; restricted location violations carry separate penalties.
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...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines requires building permits for permanent outdoor kitchen installations with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs under Chapt...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no smoker-specific ordinance. Open burning is regulated under Chapter 70 (Fire Prevention) and Iowa Code 100B with cooking-fire exemptions. Io...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Fire Code under Chapter 26, Article XII adopts the International Fire Code (IFC). IFC 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas tank...
See how Des Moines's open carry rules stack up against other locations.
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