Des Moines enforces a Blighted Structure Code under Chapter 60, Article III, authorizing the city to order repair, rehabilitation, or demolition of properties deemed blighted. Owners must remediate or face city-led abatement with costs assessed against the property.
Des Moines Municipal Code Chapter 60, Article III (Blighted Structure Code), beginning at Section 60-195, defines standards for identifying blighted or deteriorated structures. The Neighborhood Inspections Division inspects properties upon complaint or routine survey. If a structure is found to be in a blighted, deteriorated, or dangerous condition — including dilapidated facades, structural instability, open or unsecured buildings, or extensive deferred maintenance — the owner receives a written notice and order to repair or demolish. Failure to comply within the specified timeline allows the city to contract abatement work and place a lien on the property for recovery of all costs.
Non-compliance with a repair or demolition order results in the city performing abatement; all costs are assessed as a lien against the property. Civil fines may also be levied per violation.
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. Chapter 60 (Housing) requires reasonable property maintenance and could ...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Chapter 48 (Noise) standards could theoretically apply to overnight blow...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Display timing, brightness, and animation are governed primarily by HOA and cond...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines requires building permits for permanent outdoor kitchen installations with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs under Chapt...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no smoker-specific ordinance. Open burning is regulated under Chapter 70 (Fire Prevention) and Iowa Code 100B with cooking-fire exemptions. Io...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Fire Code under Chapter 26, Article XII adopts the International Fire Code (IFC). IFC 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas tank...
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