Des Moines prohibits grass and vegetation over 10 inches as a nuisance under Chapter 42. A 2024 amendment created exceptions for intentionally cultivated gardens, native plantings, and farmland, allowing residents to maintain prairie and pollinator gardens without violation.
Des Moines Municipal Code Chapter 42 (Environment), Article V (Nuisances), and 2024-added §§ 42-567–42-572 govern vegetation management. Uncontrolled grass and weeds at or above 10 inches are declared nuisances. The 2024 amendments define 'weed' as any plant not intentionally grown that is unsightly, economically useless, or hazardous — but expressly exempt intentionally cultivated vegetation including native prairie gardens and pollinator plantings. Farmland and cultivated food gardens are also exempt. Violations are handled by Neighborhood Services; the city may abate and charge costs to the property owner.
Property owners receive a notice to abate. Failure to comply allows the city to mow and bill costs to the owner, plus a civil penalty. Repeated violations may result in fines and liens on the property.
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 native plants rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.