West Des Moines, IA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Section 4-4-2(A) sets a flat ten-inch ceiling on weeds and vegetation for every lot in the city, and requires that all vegetation other than trees and shrubs be cut at least once annually down to ten inches or less. The rule carves out eight exceptions: ordinary trees and shrubs; erosion-control plantings along waterways, ponds, and stormwater facilities; wooded areas over one acre; land designated for educational studies; cultivated fruit, vegetable, or flower gardens (which cannot spread onto a neighbor's property and cannot occupy the right-of-way, except mailbox plantings capped at eight square feet); approved streetscape plantings; public parks and open space; and native planting areas approved as part of a development permit on parcels other than individual single-family lots.

As an alternative to mowing, native planting areas may instead be maintained through a controlled burn with a permit from the city's fire department, and natural areas inside public parks and greenways are exempt from the annual cutting requirement altogether. The ordinance is capped by state law: no exception may be granted that would violate Iowa's noxious-weed statute, Iowa Code chapter 317. Enforcement for a weed violation specifically skips certified mail and publication; the City posts notice on the property and mails a copy by regular mail, giving the owner seventy-two hours to cut under § 4-4-5(B)(3).