West Des Moines, IA Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)

Section 9-18-15(D)(7)(h) prohibits electronic changeable graphics on billboards outright, so a billboard permitted under the chapter (only in the General Industrial or Agricultural/Open Space districts, with a 350-square-foot single face or 675-square-foot double face and a 35-foot height cap) must display a static, non-changing face. That specific billboard ban sits alongside the code's broader treatment of electronic signage under section 9-18-14(A)(4)(g): exposed LED illumination is allowed only as specified for 'electronic changeable graphic' displays, and any LED sign must have an ambient light monitor that automatically adjusts brightness to surrounding light conditions.

Within that framework, 'digital readerboards,' defined as electronic changeable message displays using fade, dissolve or scrolling to change static graphics by computer software, are prohibited citywide. 'Video display boards,' defined as programmable electronic graphic displays capable of changeable text, illustrations or animation, are likewise prohibited. The only electronic display West Des Moines permits under this chapter is a time and temperature sign, capped at 12 square feet and limited to a static display that changes no more than once every eight seconds. New billboard structures also require a building permit from Development Services before construction or alteration begins, and any off-premises sign along an interstate or primary highway needs Iowa DOT documentation before city review.