Home Business Rules in Des Moines, IA (2026)

In Des Moines, IA, home-based businesses are permitted subject to specific rules designed to preserve residential character while allowing residents to run legitimate businesses from their homes. No city permit is required, though deed restrictions or state licensing may apply. The Des Moines Permit and Development Center or Des Moines Community Development Department handles home occupation applications and enforcement. Regulations generally prohibit on-site employees, customer visits, and any external evidence of business activity. Below you will find the current permit requirements, restrictions, prohibited business types, and cottage food law provisions for Des Moines.

Permit Requirements

No separate home occupation permit — regulated under Des Moines Zoning Ordinance. No city permit application or fee is required to operate a home-based business in Des Moines under current regulations. However, state professional licensing requirements still apply (contractors, real estate agents, cosmetologists, etc.). Check your property's deed restrictions — many Des Moines neighborhoods have private deed restrictions that prohibit commercial activity in residential areas regardless of city rules.

Operating Restrictions

Home Business Restrictions in Des Moines: 1. Home occupation must be incidental to the residential use 2. No exterior signage in residential zones 3. No customers or clients on the premises in R1 and R-2 zones 4. No non-resident employees on premises 5. Maximum 25% of floor area used for business 6. No outdoor storage of business-related materials or equipment 7. No noise, dust, odor, or fumes perceptible beyond lot line Violations of home occupation rules can result in complaints from neighbors, code enforcement investigations, permit revocation, and daily fines.

• •Home occupation must be incidental to the residential use
• •No exterior signage in residential zones
• •No customers or clients on the premises in R1 and R-2 zones
• •No non-resident employees on premises
• •Maximum 25% of floor area used for business
• •No outdoor storage of business-related materials or equipment
• •No noise, dust, odor, or fumes perceptible beyond lot line

Prohibited Business Types

The following business types are specifically prohibited from operating as home businesses in Des Moines: Auto repair or body shop; Firearms sales or manufacturing; Commercial food preparation beyond cottage food standards; Animal boarding or veterinary clinic; Retail shop with customer traffic. This list may not be exhaustive — contact the Des Moines Community Development Department to verify whether your specific business type is allowed under home occupation rules.

• ✕Auto repair or body shop
• ✕Firearms sales or manufacturing
• ✕Commercial food preparation beyond cottage food standards
• ✕Animal boarding or veterinary clinic
• ✕Retail shop with customer traffic

Cottage Food Law

Frequently Asked Questions