City Building Permits

West Des Moines, IA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in West Des Moines, Iowa. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Iowa Dallas County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City limits of West Des Moines

Department
Address
4200 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Phone
515-222-3630
Website
https://www.wdm.iowa.gov/government/development-services

Online Permit Portal

Open Portal

Platform: City Access Portal (CAP), powered by Tyler EnerGov • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Register for CAP and log in
  2. Submit the permit through CAP where available
  3. For permits not yet on CAP, use the Building Division permit forms and email them to BI@wdm.iowa.gov
  4. Pay fees through the portal, or by mail / credit card / e-payment for non-portal applications

Source:

General Requirements

Required Documents

  • Thin data on the public summary; forms vary by project type
Building code
Thin data on the exact page summary; city publishes building inspection guidance and fee documents
Owner-builder
Thin data
Contractor requirements
Separate electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits are required where applicable

Fees

Minimum permit fee
Thin data
Plan check fee
Thin data
Reinspection fee
Thin data on the public summary

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Thin data

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • Thin data on the public summary (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Thin data

Thin data

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

West Des Moines Building Permit FAQ

How much does a building permit cost in West Des Moines, IA?
The minimum permit fee is Thin data. Plan check fee: Thin data.
How do I apply for a building permit in West Des Moines, IA?
1. Register for CAP and log in 2. Submit the permit through CAP where available 3. For permits not yet on CAP, use the Building Division permit forms and email them to BI@wdm.iowa.gov 4. Pay fees through the portal, or by mail / credit card / e-payment for non-portal applications
What work is exempt from building permits in West Des Moines, IA?
The following work is generally exempt: Thin data.
How do I schedule a building inspection in West Des Moines, IA?
Inspections can be scheduled via: Thin data on the public summary.

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Navigating permits in West Des Moines can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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