Des Moines exempts non-commercial seasonal and holiday decorations from sign permit requirements under Chapter 26, Article VIII. Residential holiday displays — lights, wreaths, inflatable decorations — do not require a permit provided they carry no commercial message.
Chapter 26 (Buildings and Building Regulations), Article VIII (Signs and Billboards) of the Des Moines Municipal Code requires permits for most permanent and temporary signs. However, seasonal and holiday decorations that carry no commercial advertising message are expressly exempt from the sign permit requirement. This covers lights, banners, wreaths, inflatables, and similar residential or commercial holiday displays. Commercial signage tied to a holiday promotion (e.g., a 'Holiday Sale' banner) requires a temporary sign permit. The Building Inspections Division (515-283-4200) administers the sign chapter.
Unpermitted commercial signs may result in removal orders and civil fines of up to $500 per day under Chapter 26. Non-commercial holiday decorations face no permit penalty.
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