Des Moines allows home occupations in residential zones as an accessory use under the zoning ordinance. The business must be secondary to the residential use, with no exterior evidence of the business and limited customer visits.
Des Moines zoning code permits home occupations as an accessory use in residential districts. The home business must be clearly incidental and secondary to the residential use of the property. Requirements typically include: the business operator must reside in the dwelling, no more than 25% of the floor area may be used for the business, no exterior signage or evidence of the business is permitted, no outdoor storage of materials or inventory, no employees other than residents of the home, and no heavy equipment or machinery. The business must not generate noise, odors, vibration, or traffic beyond what is normal for a residential neighborhood. Certain occupations may require a conditional use permit from the Board of Adjustment.
Zoning violation: municipal infraction. Fines up to $625. May be ordered to cease operations if non-compliant.
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 zoning restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.