West Des Moines, IA Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)

Section 9-14-12.C of the West Des Moines Zoning Code sets the City's screen wall standard for mechanical equipment, dumpsters and generators. Screen walls for these uses are allowed only in non-single-family residential districts, so a commercial, multi-family or industrial dumpster enclosure is where the rule applies. The wall must be built of materials and colors consistent with the architecture and materials of the principal building on the site, and any openings in the wall, such as mesh or louvers needed for ventilation, must be designed, to the greatest extent possible, to prevent the equipment or dumpster from being seen.

Unlike a typical property-line wall, a dumpster screen wall may exceed the zoning district's normal height limit when that extra height is needed to fully screen the equipment or dumpster from view, but it cannot be taller than necessary to accomplish that screening or to meet minimum security needs. The design of the screen wall, and the exact height required for full screening, has to be worked out with the City at the time of a building permit or site plan application, which lets Development Services confirm the wall actually blocks the view of the dumpster from the street or adjoining property before construction begins.

The same chapter's general wall rules, including sound and sturdy construction and prohibitions on materials that could injure people or animals, also apply to a dumpster screen wall.