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Polk County, IA Parking Rules: Curb Color Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

County curb-color code
None (rural roads)
Road markings standard
Iowa DOT / MUTCD
Standard stall size
9 ft x 18 ft
Accessible parking
Iowa Code 321L + ADA
Curb-color enforcement
City code

Summary

Polk County's rural county roads are largely uncurbed, so there is no county curb-color parking code; roadway traffic-control markings follow the state and MUTCD standards. Off-street parking lots must stripe standard-size stalls and provide accessible spaces per Iowa Code 321L and the ADA. Curb-color enforcement is a city matter.

City-specific rules exist: Des Moines has its own curb color rules rules that differ from Polk County's county-level regulations. If you live in Des Moines, check the city-specific page instead.

A required off-street parking space shall be at least nine (9) feet in width and at least eighteen (18) feet in length, exclusive of access drives or aisles, ramps, columns, or office or work areas.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Polk County does not maintain a curbside-color parking scheme (red/yellow/white curbs) on its unincorporated county roads, which are typically rural and uncurbed; traffic-control markings on public roads follow Iowa Department of Transportation and MUTCD standards. Where the county regulates markings is in off-street parking lots: each required stall must be at least 9 feet wide and 18 feet long, laid out to the Article 13 stall/aisle table, paved and maintained to SUDAS standards, with accessible (disabled) parking provided per Iowa Code Chapter 321L and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Painted curb restrictions (loading zones, no-parking colors) at the street edge are set and enforced by incorporated cities.

Violations & Fines

Non-standard or missing accessible-stall striping in a required parking lot is a zoning/site-plan and ADA/321L compliance issue; curb-color violations are enforced under city code.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a yellow curb mean in Polk County?
The unincorporated county has no curb-color parking code on its rural roads. Painted-curb meanings are set by whichever city you are in, so check that city's traffic code.
What size must a striped parking stall be?
A required off-street parking space must be at least nine feet wide and eighteen feet long, with accessible spaces provided under Iowa Code 321L and the ADA.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Polk County

RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsAbandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsLoading ZonesSome RestrictionsSnow Removal Parking RulesSome RestrictionsCommercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsDriveway RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: CompostingLight RestrictionsBusiness Licensing & Operations: Massage EstablishmentsSignificant RestrictionsHome Business: Customer Traffic RestrictionsSome RestrictionsBusiness Licensing & Operations: Auto Repair on Residential PropertySignificant Restrictions

All Polk County rules

Compare Polk County to another location·View the Iowa parking rules overview

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Curb Color Rules in Cities Across Polk County

Des Moines, IA