West Des Moines, IA Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

City Code section 7-1E-3 requires a special event permit for any event that creates a significant impact on city property or right-of-way, and it is unlawful to sponsor or participate in such an event without one. Under section 7-1E-5, the parks and recreation department alone reviews applications for events held exclusively within a city park or greenway, following park policies and rules, so long as the event does not need multiple City departments or affect nearby public streets; larger events instead go to a team that can include the City Clerk and police, fire, EMS, public works, and development services staff.

Applications for events touching a commercially zoned district are due ninety calendar days ahead, and all other applications are due thirty calendar days ahead, unless the City waives the deadline. Events in a residentially zoned area need sixty percent approval from directly affected residents. Applicants pay a nonrefundable application fee set by City Council resolution, cover the estimated or actual cost of any City equipment or services used, carry insurance naming the City as an additional insured, and sign a hold harmless and indemnification agreement.

This is also the permit park policy allows for dispensing alcohol from kegs in a park, since section 7-11-2S permits keg dispensing only with written director permission or under a special event permit.