Des Moines, IA Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)
Key Facts
- Deadline
- 48 hours after snow/ice stops
- Who's responsible
- Owner, tenant, or lessee
- Penalty payment window
- 30 days from notice
- Ice treatment
- Sand or de-ice within 48 hours
- Enforcement
- Public works director or police
Summary
Des Moines property owners, tenants, and lessees must clear snow and ice from abutting public sidewalks within 48 hours after a storm ends, or face administrative penalties and city-ordered removal billed to them.
The owner or tenant or lessee of any real estate abutting a public sidewalk shall remove snow and ice from the sidewalk within a reasonable time but in no case more than 48 hours following the cessation of the weather event by which such snow or ice was deposited; provided, however, that in extraordinary weather circumstances the director of public works or his or her designated representative may provide additional time for removal under this section.
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 Municipal Code § 102-124 gives owners, tenants, and lessees of property abutting a public sidewalk no more than 48 hours after a snow or ice event ends to clear it, though the public works director can grant extra time in extraordinary weather. Ice that can't be fully removed must be sanded or de-iced within the same 48 hours so it isn't slick. Owners and tenants are jointly and severally liable. The city can also remove snow itself after notice under § 102-129 and assess the cost against the property under § 102-131. This applies inside Des Moines city limits only. West Des Moines, Urbandale, Ankeny, Clive, Windsor Heights, and Pleasant Hill set their own sidewalk-snow deadlines.
Violations & Fines
Missing the 48-hour deadline draws an administrative penalty set by council resolution, due within 30 days; unpaid penalties and city removal costs can be assessed against the property, and owners, tenants, and lessees are jointly and severally liable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to clear snow from my sidewalk in Des Moines?
What happens if I don't clear my sidewalk in time?
Does this rule apply outside Des Moines city limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Des Moines
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