Home Business Rules in Des Moines, IA (2026)

Whether Des Moines, IA permits home-based businesses has not been confirmed from an official source. Contact the local building department at (515) 283-4200 to verify current home business regulations — including whether home occupations are permitted at all and what permits or licenses may apply — before starting operations. Some home business activities may be permitted with a variance or conditional use permit — contact the planning department for guidance.

Permit Requirements

Whether a permit is required to operate a home-based business in Des Moines has not been confirmed from an official source. Contact the local building department at (515) 283-4200 to verify current permit requirements before starting operations. State professional licensing requirements may still apply regardless of city permit rules.

Operating Restrictions

No specific restrictions listed beyond standard building code requirements for Des Moines home-based businesses.

• •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

Cottage Food Law

Frequently Asked Questions