Before You Build in Des Moines, IA: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

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.

Des Moines Chapter 26, Division 5 requires all residential swimming pools to be completely enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. A building permit is required before pool installation or barrier construction.

Des Moines limits fence heights in residential zones: 4 feet maximum in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards under the zoning ordinance. Corner lots have additional visibility triangle requirements.

Iowa follows the common boundary fence law. Des Moines encourages neighbors to discuss fence plans before construction. Fences on shared property lines may require mutual agreement or survey verification.

Des Moines requires permits for most new fence installations. Applications go through the Permit and Development Center. Fences must comply with zoning setback and height requirements.

Des Moines requires a building permit for all in-ground and above-ground swimming pools and spas, including hot tubs. A safety barrier at least 48 inches high with a self-closing, self-latching gate must fully enclose the pool area before use.

Des Moines requires a building permit from the Permit and Development Center (602 Robert D Ray Drive) for any swimming pool, hot tub, or spa capable of holding water deeper than 24 inches. Pools must comply with the 2015 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code as adopted in Chapter 26 (Buildings and Building Regulations) and be enclosed by a barrier fence at least 48 inches high.

Des Moines requires all swimming pools to be enclosed by a barrier at least 4 feet high. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. The barrier must prevent passage of a 4-inch sphere and not be easily climbable by toddlers.

Des Moines requires pool permits, safety barriers, and compliance with Iowa Public Health code for all residential swimming pools. Pools must maintain proper chemical levels and drainage to prevent health hazards.

Above-ground pools in Des Moines require permits and must meet barrier requirements. Pools with sides at least 4 feet high may use the wall as a barrier, but ladder and stair access must have lockable gates or removable ladders.

Garage conversions to living space in Des Moines require building permits and must meet residential building code standards. Off-street parking requirements must still be satisfied after conversion.

Des Moines expanded ADU allowances in 2022 and Iowa SF 592 further requires cities to permit ADUs. ADUs up to 1,000 sq ft or half the primary dwelling size are allowed. The city offers a 10-year tax abatement on ADU value.

Des Moines zoning permits carports as accessory structures in residential districts. Building permit required. Setback, height, and coverage rules apply per Chapter 135 accessory structure tables.

Des Moines does not allow detached tiny houses below 1,100 sq ft as a primary dwelling under Chapter 134 (Zoning Ordinance), but it does permit Accessory Household Units (AHUs) up to 1,000 sq ft or 50% of the primary house floor area on lots zoned N, NX, A, DXR, RX1, or RX2 (Ordinance 15,816, eff. Dec. 16, 2019).

Des Moines requires permits for most accessory structures. Sheds must comply with zoning setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage maximums. Small structures under a certain size may be exempt from permit requirements.

Des Moines allows recreational fire pits with conditions: must use clean dry firewood, be contained in a pit or ring, maintained 15 feet from structures, and attended at all times. No burning of trash, yard waste, or treated wood.

Open burning of refuse, rubbish, garbage, and landscape waste is prohibited in Des Moines under Polk County Air Quality regulations. Only recreational fires for cooking and warmth are permitted with specific conditions.

Des Moines requires property owners to maintain trees so they do not obstruct sidewalks, streets, or sight lines. Minimum clearance of 8 feet over sidewalks and 14 feet over streets is required.

Des Moines Water Works may impose seasonal watering restrictions during drought conditions. Odd/even watering schedules may be activated. Iowa generally has adequate water supply, so permanent restrictions are uncommon.

Des Moines requires permits for removing trees in the public right-of-way. Trees on private property may generally be removed by the owner, but boulevard trees between the sidewalk and curb are managed by the city's Forestry Division.