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.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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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