Des Moines, IA Parking Rules: Loading Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Restricted hours
- 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Monday–Saturday
- Time limit while loading
- 20 minutes maximum
- Fine
- $30.00 per violation
- Governing section
- Municipal Code § 114-607
- Zone marking
- Must be posted with signs
Summary
Commercial loading zones in Des Moines restrict parking to 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and cap loading, unloading and delivery stops at 20 minutes even during that window.
Within and at commercial loading zones designated in division 9 of article XVI of this chapter as subject to such restriction, parking is prohibited between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, except that a vehicle involved in commercial loading or unloading and delivery which is incident to commercial loading or unloading may use such zones for those purposes during such period, subject to the restriction that no vehicle shall park in any commercial loading zone for the purpose of such loading, unloading and delivery at any time to exceed 20 minutes.(b)A person who violates any provision of this section shall pay a fine of $30.00. (C62, § 30-686; O.8084; C75, § 27-701; O.9594; C79, § 27-701; C91, § 27-607; O.11,650, 14,244)
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
Des Moines designates specific curb space as commercial loading zones under Sec. 114-607 of the Municipal Code. Wherever signs mark a zone, ordinary parking is banned from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Trucks and other vehicles making a commercial delivery or pickup can use the space during those hours, but only for actual loading, unloading and delivery work, and they must clear out within 20 minutes. Outside the posted hours the restriction lifts. A separate provision, Sec. 114-608, covers general loading zones with no time-of-day limit but the same 20-minute cap. Fines run $30.00 per Sec. 114-607(b).
Violations & Fines
Parking in a posted commercial loading zone without an active delivery, or staying past the 20-minute limit, draws a $30.00 fine under Sec. 114-607(b).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park in a Des Moines commercial loading zone if I'm not making a delivery?
How long can a delivery truck stay in a Des Moines commercial loading zone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Des Moines
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