Des Moines, IA Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Sit-Lie Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Citation
- Des Moines Municipal Code § 102-407
- Fine
- $15, no jail time
- Shelter offer
- one-time transport required before citation
- Related ban
- camping banned separately under § 102-408
- Scope
- public sidewalks, streets, alleys, doorways citywide
Summary
Des Moines prohibits sleeping on public sidewalks, streets, alleys and doorways citywide, plus building entrances abutting sidewalks. Police must offer a one-time shelter ride first; violators who refuse face a $15 misdemeanor fine with no jail time.
(a)No person may sleep on public sidewalks, streets, alleys, doorways at any time as a matter of individual and public safety.(b)No person may sleep in any pedestrian or vehicular entrance to public or private property abutting a public sidewalk.(c)In addition to any other remedy provided by law, any person found in non-compliance of this section may be immediately removed from the premises.
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
Municipal Code § 102-407 bars sleeping on any public sidewalk, street, alley or doorway, and in any pedestrian or vehicular entrance to property that abuts a public sidewalk: inside Des Moines city limits, not just downtown. A related section, § 102-408, separately bans camping (setting up bedding, a tent or a vehicle as a temporary living space) on sidewalks, streets, parks, benches or under bridges without city authorization. Section 102-410 makes clear the ordinance is meant for compliance, not blanket enforcement: officers must offer a one-time transport to shelter before citing, and the fine for refusing is capped at $15 with imprisonment expressly excluded. Neighboring West Des Moines and Urbandale set their own rules.
Violations & Fines
Sleeping on a public sidewalk, street, alley or doorway after refusing an offered shelter ride is a simple misdemeanor: a $15 fine, no jail. Camping under § 102-408 can trigger campsite removal after 24-hour notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sleeping on a Des Moines sidewalk illegal?
Does Des Moines have a separate camping ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Des Moines
Compare Des Moines to another location·View the Iowa homelessness & encampment rules overview
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