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 Warren County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of West Des Moines

Department
Address
City Hall, 4200 Mills Civic Parkway, PO Box 65320, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Phone
515-222-3630
Website
https://www.wdm.iowa.gov/government/development-services/building-inspection

Online Permit Portal

Open Portal

Platform: City Access Portal, EnerGov/Tyler self service • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Users register for CAP before applying online
  2. City page says residential and many other permits are now available online
  3. For permits not yet available on CAP, submit the permit application to BI@wdm.iowa.gov

Typical processing time: thin data on the summary page

Source:

General Requirements

Required Documents

  • Permit applications are organized by commercial, single family residential, MEP, and other permits
  • Building inspection page references local policy materials and permit reporting
Building code
thin data on the reviewed summary pages
Contractor requirements
thin data

Fees

Minimum permit fee
thin data from the fee estimator pages
Plan check fee
thin data from the estimator page
Reinspection fee
investigation fee for work without permit is referenced in the fee estimator II document

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

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 from the fee estimator pages. Plan check fee: thin data from the estimator page.
How do I apply for a building permit in West Des Moines, IA?
1. Users register for CAP before applying online 2. City page says residential and many other permits are now available online 3. For permits not yet available on CAP, submit the permit application to BI@wdm.iowa.gov
How long does it take to get a building permit in West Des Moines, IA?
Typical processing time is thin data on the summary page.
What work is exempt from building permits in West Des Moines, IA?
The following work is generally exempt: Thin data.

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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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