Ordinances You Need to Know in Des Moines, IA
Local rules that could affect everyday life, property use or a decision to move to Des Moines, IA.
Local jurisdiction: City of Des Moines, Iowa.
No-Impact Home Business Must Stay Low Impact
Des Moines recognizes a no-impact home-based business category for activity that remains compatible with residential occupancy and use.
Source: City of Des Moines Council Resolution 24-1407
Code section: Des Moines Municipal Code Chapter 134
Council action: October 21, 2024
NTL verified: September 3, 2026
No Substantial Traffic Increase or On-Street Business Parking
Des Moines' no-impact home-based-business standards prohibit business activity that causes on-street parking or a substantial increase in traffic through the residential area.
Source: City of Des Moines Council Resolution 24-1407
Code section: Des Moines Municipal Code Chapter 134
Council action: October 21, 2024
NTL verified: September 3, 2026
Business Activity Cannot Be Visible From the Street
Des Moines requires no-impact home-based-business activity to avoid visible evidence from adjacent property or the street that would make the residence appear commercial.
Source: City of Des Moines Council Resolution 24-1407
Code section: Des Moines Municipal Code Chapter 134
Council action: October 21, 2024
NTL verified: September 3, 2026
Outdoor Home-Business Activity Restricted Overnight
For home-occupation activity subject to the City's Type 2 standards, outdoor activity must cease between 7:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
Source: City of Des Moines Zoning Code
Code section: Des Moines Municipal Code Chapter 134
Official code status: City zoning code publication
NTL verified: September 3, 2026
Disclaimer & Due Diligence
NarrowTheList includes only location-specific rules we could tie to the local jurisdiction and source shown with each item. State rules are not included on this page.
Ordinances can be amended, repealed, renumbered or interpreted differently depending on the property, zoning district, permit status or activity involved. These summaries are provided as a starting point for relocation research and may not reflect every exception, permit requirement or later amendment.
Before relying on an ordinance for a home purchase, rental, home business, vehicle, pet, property improvement or other important decision, review the linked source and do your own due diligence. Contact the applicable city clerk, municipal office, town or village hall, county office or other local government department to verify the current ordinance and how it applies to the specific property or activity you are considering.