Des Moines, IA Holiday Decorations: Holiday Light Rules (2026)

Des Moines Municipal Code contains no provisions regulating residential holiday light displays. No rules govern installation timing, removal deadlines, brightness limits, color, or animation at the city level. Many neighborhoods - Beaverdale (especially East 33rd through Urbandale Avenue), East Village, Sherman Hill, Waveland Park, and Highland Park - maintain robust holiday displays that attract drive-through visitors. The Iowa Christmas Tree Growers Association and local fire departments encourage UL-listed outdoor-rated lights and timers. Real restrictions on holiday lights come from condominium and HOA covenants under Iowa Code Chapter 499B (horizontal property regime) and common-law restrictive covenants. Common covenant rules in newer Des Moines subdivisions and condo communities (West Glen Town Center, Jordan Creek edges, downtown condo towers): installation no earlier than the Friday before Thanksgiving; removal by January 31; no audio amplification with music; outlets and extension cords must be UL-listed for outdoor use; no roofline animation in some communities. Iowa Code 657 (Nuisance) could theoretically apply to severe and continuing glare into a neighbor's bedroom window, but case enforcement is rare. Landmark Review Board review under Chapter 58 applies to permanent (year-round) installations in historic districts; seasonal displays are typically exempt.