Can I Build Tiny Home in Des Moines, IA? (2026)
Find out if you can build a tiny home in Des Moines, IA. Rules, permit requirements, costs, and next steps.
Tiny homes on permanent foundations are allowed in Des Moines, IA. Tiny homes on wheels are not permitted as permanent dwellings.
A tiny home is a small dwelling unit — typically under 400 sq ft — that can be built on a permanent foundation or on wheels. In Des Moines, IA, the rules differ significantly depending on whether the structure is on a permanent foundation (treated as a dwelling unit under building code) or on wheels (treated as a recreational vehicle under vehicle code). Tiny homes on permanent foundations must meet a minimum size of 150 sq ft in Des Moines.
Tiny Home Rules in Des Moines
Tiny Home Rules in Des Moines: Foundation-based tiny homes: Permitted. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs): Not permitted as permanent dwelling — classified as recreational vehicle. Minimum size: 150 sq ft. Des Moines allows tiny homes on permanent foundations meeting Des Moines Building Code minimums. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and cannot serve as permanent dwellings. Iowa's tornado risk means tiny homes must meet state building code wind-resistance standards. Des Moines's affordable land costs make tiny home development financially attractive compared to coastal markets.
Costs & Fees
Building permit fees for tiny homes in Des Moines follow the same schedule as other new construction. Contact the Des Moines Permit and Development Center at (515) 283-4200 for current fee information.
Next Steps
Next steps for building a tiny home in Des Moines: 1. Determine foundation vs. wheeled — the rules are fundamentally different. 2. For foundation tiny homes, obtain a building permit from the Des Moines Permit and Development Center. 3. For wheeled tiny homes, verify whether your property allows RV siting. 4. Check if your tiny home could qualify as an ADU on your property.
Des Moines Permit and Development Center
Phone: (515) 283-4200
Website: https://www.dsm.city/departments/development_services/permit_development_center/
Online Permits: https://www.dsm.city/departments/development_services/permit_development_center/
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU (garage apartment or in-law suite) in Des Moines?
Yes. Des Moines's Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 134) allows ADUs in residential zones. Detached ADUs up to 900 sqft are permitted in rear yards. No owner-occupancy is required. One parking space is required per ADU. Des Moines has some of the lowest ADU permitting costs among major US cities — no impact fees and affordable plan review fees. Contact the Permit and Development Center at (515) 283-4200.
What is the Sherman Hill Historic District and how does it affect permits?
Sherman Hill is a Victorian-era residential neighborhood immediately west of the Iowa State Capitol — one of the best-preserved late 19th-century neighborhoods in Iowa. If your home is in the Sherman Hill Historic District, exterior changes (including additions, siding replacements, window changes, and ADU construction visible from the street) require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Des Moines Historic Preservation Commission before you can obtain a building permit. Interior changes do not require historic review. Contact the Des Moines Community Development Department at (515) 283-4182.
Does MidAmerican Energy offer incentives for residential solar in Des Moines?
MidAmerican Energy (a Berkshire Hathaway Energy company) provides net metering for residential solar systems. Iowa does not have a state solar mandate, but MidAmerican has committed to 100% renewable energy for its customers — making them generally cooperative with solar interconnection. A Des Moines building permit and MidAmerican interconnection agreement are required before installing grid-tied solar. Contact MidAmerican Energy's Renewable Energy department or a licensed Iowa solar contractor.
What are the flood risks for Des Moines properties?
Des Moines has significant flood history — the 1993 and 2008 floods were catastrophic, covering portions of downtown and west Des Moines. Properties along the Des Moines River and Raccoon River corridors may be in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) requiring flood insurance and elevated construction standards. Use FEMA's Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov) to check your property's flood zone. Des Moines Water Works manages the water supply, and the city has invested in flood control infrastructure since 1993.
What permits do I need for a deck or fence in Des Moines?
Fences under 6 ft in side and rear yards do not require a permit. Fences in front yards or over 6 ft require a permit from the Des Moines Permit Center ($40-$150). All elevated decks (30+ inches from grade) require a building permit. Deck permits cost $75-$400 depending on size. Both can be applied for online at dsm.city. Inspections are required for deck construction.
Source: Des Moines Permit and Development Center — Building Regulations. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source