Des Moines, IA Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit type
- Standard or annual street use permit
- Commercial-district notice
- 90 days before event
- Residential-event notice
- 30 days before event
- Merchant petition
- 60%+ of abutting business owners
- Event buffer zone
- 1,800 feet from other permits
Summary
Des Moines requires a street use permit before closing any street for a festival, block party, or street fair: commercial-district events need 90 days' notice and a vendor petition.
A standard or annual street use permit is required for the temporary closure of any portion of a street for any timed event, activity, block party, festival, or events of similar character and nature. Events conducted on city park property are exempt when approved by the park and recreation director or his or her designee.
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
Any street fair, festival, block party, or timed event that closes a Des Moines street needs a standard or annual street use permit from the city manager's office (Des Moines Municipal Code § 102-1121, § 102-1123). Commercial-district applications are due 90 days ahead and need a petition signed by more than 60% of abutting business owners; residential-only events need only 30 days' notice and skip the petition (§ 102-1125). Permits carry nonrefundable fees, an 1,800-foot buffer from other permitted events, and required trash cleanup after the event (§§ 102-1128.3, 102-1130.1, 102-1131).
Violations & Fines
Holding a street fair without a valid permit, violating permit conditions, or filing false application information violates § 102-1135: a misdemeanor under general penalty § 1-15, or a municipal infraction with up to $750 civil fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a neighborhood block party need a city permit in Des Moines?
Can a vendor sell at a Des Moines street fair without their own permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Des Moines
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