Most construction projects in Des Moines, Iowa, require a permit before you can start work. Everything from downtown storefronts to multifamily developments to rooftop HVAC installations all require proper city approval. Getting a Des Moines building permit involves understanding costs, meeting requirements, and navigating city-specific rules.
This guide covers what you need to know about Des Moines permitting, including application steps, fees, and inspection procedures that keep your project moving forward.
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What requires a building permit in Des Moines?
According to the Des Moines Building Department, a building permit is required for any work that impacts safety, structure, utilities, or code compliance. Examples include:
- New buildings and additions (anything that creates/expands conditioned space or changes the building footprint)
- Structural work (anything that affects structural strength/safety)
- Demolition of buildings/structures (demolition permit required)
- Foundation repair using helical piers or push piers
- Large interior finish removal that goes beyond minor patching
What doesn’t require a building permit?
Not all work needs a permit. The City of Des Moines building code confirms that no permit is required for:
- One-story detached accessory buildings (tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses, pet shelters, similar) <120 sq ft, as long as they meet planning/zoning rules
- Fences: chain link or wire <4 ft, and all other fences <3 ft
- Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 5 ft 9 in high
- Playground equipment
- Retaining walls that:
- retain <4 ft of unbalanced fill, and
- do not support a surcharge, and
- do not impound flammable liquids
- Certain retaining walls that are part of a public improvement project regulated by the City Engineer
- Tanks on grade <5,000 gallons (and height-to-width ratio limits apply)
- Platforms/walks/driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a basement/story below
- Painting, papering, and similar finish work
- Temporary motion picture/TV/theater stage sets and scenery
- Window awnings on 1–2 family dwellings/accessory structures projecting <54 inches
Des Moines building permit cost
Permit fees in Des Moines are based on project valuation and permit type. Here’s a general breakdown:
Residential building permit fees
Commercial building permit fees
Other fees
Des Moines trade permits
Des Moines requires separate permits for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems. These must be pulled by licensed contractors registered with the city.
Plumbing permits
Issued for fixture additions, sewer/water hookups, or gas lines.
Residential plumbing (flat fees)
Commercial plumbing (base + unit fees)
Electrical permits
Required for any wiring, panel work, or circuit changes.
Residential electrical (flat fees)
Commercial electrical (base + unit fees)
HVAC permits
HVAC permits cover new mechanical systems, replacements, or ventilation upgrades.
Residential mechanical (flat fees)
Commercial mechanical (base + unit fees)
To learn more about other trade permit fees, visit the Permit Fees page.
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How to get a building permit in Des Moines, Iowa
Step 1: Gather documents
You’ll usually need:
- Completed building permit application
- Scope of work (short project description)
- Project value / estimated cost (fees often depend on valuation)
- Site plan or survey (PDF)
- Construction drawings (PDF plan set)
You may also need trade permit info for electrical / mechanical / plumbing (often separate permits + inspections).
Tip: Upload clear PDFs with readable sheet titles (A0.1, A1.1, etc.). It makes reviewer comments much easier to follow.
Step 2: Apply online in the Customer Self Service (CSS) portal
Upload documents through the City’s Customer Self Service (CSS) portal. If it’s your first time, you’ll need to create an account (the City has a registration walkthrough).
Step 3: Plan review (and possible corrections)
After you submit, your permit goes through review. If reviewers have questions or see missing details, you’ll get comments and you’ll need to revise and re-upload documents in CSS.
Step 4: Pay fees after approval
Once the permit is approved, you’ll receive an invoice in CSS. Pay online to activate the permit.
The City fee schedule shows that some projects include related fees like plan checking (listed as 65% of the building permit fee for buildings over a value threshold) and energy review fees when there is heated/cooled enclosed space.
Step 5: Print and post the permit on-site, then schedule inspections
Post the permit where it’s visible on site during construction. When you reach inspection points, request inspections through CSS (CSS supports inspection requests as part of the same portal workflow).
Permit inspections in Des Moines
Most construction work in Des Moines needs inspections at key points.
Common inspection milestones include:
- Footings / foundation (before concrete)
- Framing
- Rough-in inspections (electrical / plumbing / mechanical, if your project includes these)
- Insulation / energy-related items (when applicable)
- Final inspection (and Certificate of Occupancy, if required)
Note: Your exact inspection list depends on your permit. In the CSS portal, the inspections that apply to your permit show up as available actions once the permit is issued and fees are paid.
How to schedule inspections
You can request inspections through the City’s Customer Self Service (CSS) portal (the same portal used for permits). If you prefer to call or you have questions, contact the Permit and Development Center:
- Phone: (515) 283-4200
- Email: permits@dmgov.org
When you request an inspection in CSS, you typically enter:
- Your requested date
- A preferred start time
- On-site contact info
- A short note about the scope (full vs partial, what’s ready to inspect)
Keep in mind that it’s a request — an inspector will review your request and schedule it, so you might not get the exact date or time you ask for.
What to expect
Inspections are usually done during business days/hours, and timing depends on inspector availability.
If the work is not ready or doesn’t meet code, you may need a reinspection, which can push your timeline. If you need an inspection outside regular hours, the City lists an Overtime Inspection Fee (for up to 2 hours).
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Des Moines permitting resources
- Des Moines Permit & Development Center
- Address: 1200 Locust St. Des Moines, IA 50309
- Phone: (515) 283-4200
- Email: permits@dmgov.org
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CT
- City of Des Moines permit portal
- CSS registration walkthrough
- Commercial permit requirements
- Residential building information
- City of Des Moines Inspections Info
- City of Des Moines building code
- Permit fees
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