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Des Moines, IA Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing sections
§§ 102-408, 102-409
Notice before removal
24 hours minimum
Fine
$15.00, no jail
Property storage
Held 30 days minimum
Pre-enforcement step
One-time shelter transport offer

Summary

Des Moines bans camping on any public property citywide, sidewalks, streets, parks, rights-of-way, and lets the city post a 24-hour notice then clear the campsite and its contents.

No person may occupy a campsite in or upon any sidewalk, street, alley, lane, public right of way, park, bench, or any other publicly owned property or under any bridge or viaduct, unless authorized by the city manager or their designee or otherwise specifically authorized by section 74-101.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 38 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

City Code § 102-408 makes it unlawful to occupy a campsite on any sidewalk, street, alley, right-of-way, park, bench, or other public property, or under a bridge or viaduct, without city manager authorization. Section 102-409 lets the city post a written notice at the site naming the violation and giving at least 24 hours to leave before crews remove the campsite and belongings, after notifying a local homeless-services agency of the location.

Violations & Fines

Camping or sleeping in banned locations is a simple misdemeanor carrying a $15.00 fine only: no imprisonment. Before citing, an officer must offer a one-time transport to shelter or shelter directions; refusing that offer counts as noncompliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Des Moines clear a homeless camp without warning?
No. Section 102-409 requires the city to post a notice at the campsite giving at least 24 hours before removal, and to alert a local service agency of the location first.
What happens to belongings left at a cleared campsite?
Items with no apparent value or in unsanitary condition can be discarded immediately; everything else is stored by the city for at least 30 days and can be reclaimed under § 102-411.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Des Moines

Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSignificant RestrictionsSit-Lie RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Coyote ManagementHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome Restrictions

All Des Moines rules

Compare Des Moines to another location·View the Iowa homelessness & encampment rules overview

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