Des Moines, IA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City of Des Moines

Department

Phone

515-283-4182 for Community Development on city documents

Email

not clearly published on the sources reviewed

Website

https://www.dmgov.org/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Portal supports login or register
2. City code says fees are paid to the community development department for each permit
3. Permit, plan-check, and reinspection rules are controlled by the Des Moines city code and city council fee schedule

Typical processing time: thin data on the portal summary page, but permit expiration for unused applications is 180 days under city code

Source:

General Requirements

Required Documents

• Permit fees cover building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, certificates of occupancy, plan reviews, demolition, energy reviews, handicap reviews, reinspections, signs and billboards, and failure-to-obtain-permit penalties
• Plans submitted for checking can expire if no permit issues within 180 days
• Plan-check fee may be waived for one and two family dwellings and accessory structures when there are no unusual or complex engineering features
• Contractor / permit work must be done by the securing contractor or that contractor's firm

Building code

Des Moines city code chapter 26 references the Iowa State Building Code and the IBC for accessibility and thermal review

Fees

Minimum permit fee

not clearly extracted from a current public fee table in the reviewed sources

Plan check fee

required when plans are submitted; amount set by city schedule, with chapter 26 noting plan checking fees and possible waiver for some small residential work

Reinspection fee

city code allows reinspection fees at building official discretion and doubling of fees for work started without a permit

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Thin data from the reviewed extracts; city code chapter 26 contains the detailed exemption list

Inspections

How to Schedule

Additional Resources

• Building code: Des Moines city code chapter 26 references the Iowa State Building Code and the IBC for accessibility and thermal review
• License lookup guide: Iowa Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Iowa Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Iowa hub: Iowa Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines Building Permit FAQ

How much does a building permit cost in Des Moines, IA?

The minimum permit fee is not clearly extracted from a current public fee table in the reviewed sources. Plan check fee: required when plans are submitted; amount set by city schedule, with chapter 26 noting plan checking fees and possible waiver for some small residential work.

How do I apply for a building permit in Des Moines, IA?

1. Portal supports login or register 2. City code says fees are paid to the community development department for each permit 3. Permit, plan-check, and reinspection rules are controlled by the Des Moines city code and city council fee schedule

How long does it take to get a building permit in Des Moines, IA?

Typical processing time is thin data on the portal summary page, but permit expiration for unused applications is 180 days under city code.

What work is exempt from building permits in Des Moines, IA?

The following work is generally exempt: Thin data from the reviewed extracts; city code chapter 26 contains the detailed exemption list.

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