Des Moines encourages higher-density transit-oriented development along DART bus corridors and at proposed bus rapid transit stations, with PlanDSM 2040 prioritizing walkable mixed-use nodes near MLK and University Avenue routes.
Des Moines does not have rail transit, but DART (Des Moines Area Regional Transit) operates bus and on-demand service. PlanDSM 2040 designates Mixed-Use Corridor districts along high-frequency routes, allowing taller buildings, smaller setbacks, and reduced parking minimums to support transit use. The form-based Ch. 134 code permits accessory dwelling units and missing-middle housing in many neighborhood districts. DART Forward planning identifies BRT-style enhanced corridors targeting future TOD investment, supported by federal grants and city TIF.
Standard zoning enforcement applies; no TOD-specific penalty regime, but density bonuses claimed without compliance trigger covenant enforcement.
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines offers density bonuses, height increases, and parking reductions for projects that include affordable units, especially in downtown and mixed-use ...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines operates striped bike lanes, protected lanes downtown, and connections to the Greater Des Moines Trails network of roughly 800 paved miles; cyclis...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines allows Level 1, 2, and 3 electric vehicle charging stations as a permitted use in every zoning district. No local ordinance mandates EV-ready or E...
See how Des Moines's transit-oriented communities (toc) rules stack up against other locations.
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