Des Moines offers density bonuses, height increases, and parking reductions for projects that include affordable units, especially in downtown and mixed-use corridors under PlanDSM 2040 implementation tools and tax increment financing agreements.
DSM Ch. 134 form-based code provides incentives for affordable housing, including additional stories above base height, reduced parking ratios near transit, and expedited review when projects commit to long-term affordability covenants. The city Affordable Housing Roadmap and TIF policy further support 20% affordable inclusion in major projects. State law (Iowa Code Ch. 414) gives cities zoning authority but bars mandatory inclusionary zoning at the rental level. Most density bonuses are voluntary and tied to discretionary approvals.
Failure to deliver promised affordable units triggers TIF clawbacks and recorded covenant enforcement up to project value forfeiture.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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 density bonus law rules stack up against other locations.
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