Des Moines, IA Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)

Des Moines exempts vegetable gardens, flower gardens, purposely-planted woody perennials, and native vegetation from its 10-inch weed and grass height limit, but Section 42-569 states that exemption never covers noxious weeds as defined by Iowa Code § 317.1A. The neighborhood inspections administrator (the code's 'weed official') gives ten days' notice by newspaper publication, posted placard, or mail; if the owner does not cut or destroy the growth, the city does the work, adds an administrative fee, and, if unpaid, assesses the total cost against the property the same way as a property tax.