Des Moines requires a tree removal and mitigation plan for any development activity under Chapter 42, Article X. No grading permit, site plan, or subdivision plat is approved until a plan is filed. Preserved trees must be protected during construction, and removed trees must be replaced.
Chapter 42 (Environment), Article X (Tree Removal and Mitigation), §§ 42-550 et seq. of the Des Moines Municipal Code (enacted via Ord. No. 14,889) requires any applicant seeking city approval of development activities — including grading permits, site plans, and subdivision plats — to submit and obtain approval of a tree removal and mitigation plan. Mature trees and canopy areas identified for preservation must be protected per city-approved standards during construction. Trees removed must be mitigated through on-site replacement planting or payment into a tree fund, based on caliper-inch calculations. The City Engineer and Parks Department administer the program.
No permit or development approval is issued without an approved tree plan. Unauthorized removal of protected trees may result in stop-work orders, fines, and mandatory replacement at a penalty multiplier ratio per § 42-555.
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. Chapter 60 (Housing) requires reasonable property maintenance and could ...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Chapter 48 (Noise) standards could theoretically apply to overnight blow...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Display timing, brightness, and animation are governed primarily by HOA and cond...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines requires building permits for permanent outdoor kitchen installations with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs under Chapt...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no smoker-specific ordinance. Open burning is regulated under Chapter 70 (Fire Prevention) and Iowa Code 100B with cooking-fire exemptions. Io...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Fire Code under Chapter 26, Article XII adopts the International Fire Code (IFC). IFC 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas tank...
See how Des Moines's tree replacement requirements rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.