Des Moines Zoning & Land Use Guide
Notable local initiatives in Des Moines
Named ordinances, statutes, and reforms specific to Des Moines — each linked to an official source you can verify directly.
PlanDSM Comprehensive Plan(2016)
The PlanDSM Creating Our Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan was approved by the City of Des Moines on April 25, 2016. It establishes the city's long-range vision, goals and policies through 2040 and beyond, and provided the policy basis for the 2019 Zoning Ordinance rewrite. PlanDSM received the American Planning Association's silver Comprehensive Plan Standards for Sustaining Places award and the Iowa APA's 2016 Daniel Burnham Award.
Source · dsm.cityChapter 134 Zoning Ordinance (Zoning Ordinance No. 15,816)(2019)
The City of Des Moines adopted a complete rewrite of its zoning code as Ordinance No. 15,816, dated October 16, 2019, replacing the previous Chapter 134 with new Neighborhood (N1-N5), Mixed Use (RX), Downtown, Commercial, and Industrial districts. It implemented PlanDSM policies for predictable urban design and preservation of neighborhood character.
Source · library.municode.comChapter 135 Planning and Design Ordinance(2019)
Chapter 135 of the Des Moines Municipal Code governs planning and design review, site plan standards, and design standards adopted together with the new Chapter 134 zoning code in 2019.
Source · library.municode.comAccessory Household Unit (AHU/ADU) provisions(2019)
ADUs (locally called 'accessory household units' or 'guest houses') were added to the Des Moines zoning, planning, and design codes in 2019. Detached ADUs must be in the rear yard and set back at least 5 ft from any lot line; size is capped at the greater of 1,000 sq ft or 50% of the primary house floor area; only one ADU is permitted per lot. A 10-year tax abatement is offered on the value added by an ADU. The City Council further eased AHU requirements in May 2022.
Source · library.municode.com
Key Zoning Facts
Des Moines Zoning Overview
Des Moines is a city in Iowa that manages land use and development through its local zoning ordinance. The city's zoning code divides the municipality into districts that regulate the types of uses permitted, building heights, lot sizes, setbacks, and density. Residents and developers should consult the city's planning department and municipal code for the most current zoning regulations and requirements.
The city's zoning ordinance typically includes residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use districts, each with specific development standards. Residential districts range from low-density single-family zones to higher-density multi-family zones. Commercial districts accommodate retail, office, and service uses, while industrial districts are designated for manufacturing and warehousing operations.
Development Process
Development in Des Moines generally requires obtaining the appropriate permits from the city's planning and building departments. The process typically involves:
- Zoning Verification — Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district
- Site Plan Review — For commercial and multi-family projects, submit a site plan for review
- Building Permit — Apply for a building permit with construction documents
- Inspections — Schedule required inspections during construction
- Certificate of Occupancy — Obtain final approval before occupying the structure
For projects that do not conform to existing zoning, property owners may need to seek a variance, special exception, or rezoning through the local board of zoning appeals or planning commission.
Key Considerations
Before starting any development project in Des Moines, property owners should:
- Verify the zoning classification of their property
- Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements
- Check for any overlay districts or special regulations
- Determine if the property is in a flood zone using FEMA's flood map service
- Confirm whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply
- Contact the planning department for pre-application guidance
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Des Moines and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the Des Moines planning department or municipal code before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Des Moines
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Iowa
- Building Code: Iowa State Building Code (Iowa Code Chapter 103A)
County — Polk County
- Role: County-level property records, tax assessment, and unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
- Historic Districts — Des Moines has local historic districts (e.g., Sherman Hill, Owl's Head, Salisbury Oaks) and properties listed on the National Register; the Landmark Review Board reviews exterior changes.
- Floodplain Overlay — Floodplain regulations apply along the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers and other mapped FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- HOA CC&Rs and recorded covenants are common in suburban subdivisions and may impose restrictions stricter than Chapter 134 zoning.
Primary Zoning Districts
ADU Rules in Des Moines
- Max Size
- Greater of 1,000 sq ft or 50% of primary house floor area
- Rear Setback
- At least 5 ft from any lot line (detached ADU)
- Side Setback
- At least 5 ft from any lot line (detached ADU)
- Owner Occupancy
- Verify current standards with Des Moines Development Services
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Des Moines are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Des Moines permit fees →Official Sources
City-specific