Des Moines, IA Holiday Decorations: Lawn Ornament Rules (2026)

Des Moines Municipal Code does not regulate the content or placement of lawn ornaments, statuary, religious displays, flags, or similar decorative items. Chapter 60 (Housing) requires reasonable property maintenance and could theoretically apply if ornaments are abandoned to the point of creating blight, harboring pests, or impeding emergency access; ornaments themselves are not prohibited. Chapter 134 (Zoning) accessory-structure setback rules may apply if a freestanding ornament functionally becomes a structure (large statuary on a foundation, decorative shed). Real restrictions on lawn ornaments in Des Moines come from three sources: (1) Landmark Review Board (LRB) review under Chapter 58 in designated historic districts (Sherman Hill, Owl's Head, Woodland Heights, River Bend, Drake) for permanent or visible installations; (2) HOA and condominium covenants under Iowa Code Chapter 499B and common-law restrictive covenants; (3) deed restrictions in older planned subdivisions and newer master-planned communities (West Glen, Jordan Creek edges, planned south-side developments). Typical HOA rules: architectural review committee approval; size limits 3-4 feet; rear or side yard placement preference; restrictions on plastic flamingos and yard art; some HOAs require removal of seasonal displays after specific dates. Religious displays may have federal Fair Housing Act protection.