Des Moines, IA Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)
Key Facts
- Usage fee
- $0.16 per kilowatt-hour
- Grace period
- 30 minutes after charge ends
- Idling fee
- $5.00 plus $1.25/15 min
- Failure to charge
- prohibited, parking meter violation
- Rate authority
- Set by city council resolution
Summary
Des Moines charges $0.16 per kilowatt-hour to use electric vehicle charging stations at city-operated public parking garages and surface lots, plus an idling fee once a charging session ends, under Municipal Code § 114-676A.
(a)Usage fee: The usage fee for anyone using an electric vehicle charging station shall be $0.16 per kilowatt hour, except as provided in section 114-676B.(b)Idling: If a vehicle is plugged into an electric vehicle charging station for 30 minutes after a charging session has ended, the fee assessed on the account paying for the charge shall be $5.00 plus an additional fee of $1.25 for each 15 minute period thereafter. The city traffic engineer may implement a system that allows the billing system to notify people that their charging is complete prior to assessing the idling fee.(c)Failure to use charger: Failure to use a charger while occupying marked space at an electric vehicle charging station is prohibited. A person violating this provision shall pay a fine as set forth in section 114-645. This fine shall be enforced as a parking meter violation under the Municipal Code. (O.16,410)
Sec. 114-676B. - Adjustment of rates. The rates established in this division may be adjusted by resolution of the city council so long as such adjustment and the city council finds each such adjustment to be in the best interest of the city and without jeopardy to the city's ability to achieve and maintain bond financing for its parking facilities system.
(O.16,410)
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
The city traffic engineer operates EV charging stations in city-run garages and surface lots under Code § 114-676. Usage runs $0.16/kWh under § 114-676A. Leave a vehicle plugged in more than 30 minutes after charging ends and the fee jumps to $5.00 plus $1.25 per additional 15 minutes, though the traffic engineer may add a charge-complete notification system. Occupying a marked charging space without actively charging is banned outright. The city council can adjust these rates by resolution under § 114-676B.
Violations & Fines
Occupying a marked EV charging space without charging is prohibited and enforced as a parking meter violation with a fine under § 114-645; unpaid idling fees accrue at $5.00 plus $1.25 per 15-minute period after a 30-minute grace window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay to charge my EV at a Des Moines city parking garage?
What if I leave my EV plugged in after it's done charging?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Des Moines
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