Des Moines, IA Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential driveway width
- 8 to 24 feet
- Max total driveway width
- 60% of lot frontage
- Permit required
- Yes, from building official
- Permit duration
- 6 months (18 for major projects)
- Non-compliant driveway
- City can order removal, bill owner
Summary
Des Moines caps residential driveway approaches at 8 to 24 feet wide, limits total driveway width to 60% of lot frontage, and requires a building-official permit before any curb cut or driveway construction begins.
(a)In general the number of driveway approaches to a property shall be the minimum number required to serve the development or proposed development of the property. In addition the following limitations or driveway approaches shall apply:(1)The total width of driveway approaches shall not exceed 60 percent of the property frontage of any parcel of land.(2)Residential driveway approaches providing access to a building containing eight or less dwelling units shall be from eight feet to 24 feet wide and shall be constructed with a return radius or taper of from two feet to 15 feet.(3)Commercial driveway approaches shall be from 15 feet to 36 feet wide and shall be constructed with a return radius of from ten feet to 20 feet.(4)When the curb drops and driveway approaches serve an industrial or commercial development with significant vehicular or truck traffic or a multifamily residential development, the curb drop and driveway approach shall be constructed in accordance with requirements set by the city engineer, notwithstanding the limitations on width set forth in this article, but in no event shall such driveway approach width exceed 52 feet.(b)The application for a driveway approach under this section may be required, by the city engineer, to contain an independent traffic engineering study to justify the proposed design. (C62, § 54-229.10; O.7371, 8234; C75, C79, § 23-228; O.9963; C85, § 23-228; O.11,583; C91, § 23-228)
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
City code sets residential driveway approaches between 8 and 24 feet wide with a 2- to 15-foot return radius, and caps combined driveway width at 60 percent of a lot's street frontage. Before pouring, replacing, or cutting a curb for a driveway, a property owner or contractor must file an application with the building official and secure a driveway approach permit, valid six months (18 months for major projects). Building without one, or building out of conformity with the permit, is grounds for the city to order removal at the owner's expense.
Violations & Fines
Building or replacing a driveway approach without a permit, or out of conformity with it, lets the city order removal and restoration at the property owner's expense, billed as a special assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a new driveway in Des Moines?
How wide can my driveway be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Des Moines
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