ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit in Des Moines (2026)
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit requirements, fees, and process for Des Moines, IA. Find out if you need a permit and how to apply.
Yes, a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit is required in Des Moines, IA.
A ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit is required in Des Moines, IA. The Des Moines Permit and Development Center handles permit applications for Des Moines. Below you will find the current thresholds, fees, and process for obtaining a adu (accessory dwelling unit) permit in Des Moines.
When Is a Permit Required?
When a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit Is Required in Des Moines: All ADU construction
Permit Fees
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit Fees in Des Moines: $800-$3,500. Estimated timeline: 3-6 weeks.
Estimated timeline: 3-6 weeks
How to Get a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit in Des Moines
Verify whether your project meets the permit threshold in Des Moines: All ADU construction.
Prepare your permit application and plans. Contact the Des Moines Permit and Development Center at https://dsm.city/departments/permit_and_development_center-division for required documentation.
Submit your application online at https://dsm.city/departments/permit_and_development_center-division/pages/permits or in person at the Des Moines Permit and Development Center.
Pay the permit fee: $800-$3,500.
Wait for plan check approval. Estimated timeline: 3-6 weeks.
Schedule required inspections through https://dsm.city/departments/permit_and_development_center-division/pages/inspections. All inspections must pass before project is finalized.
Important: Des Moines Permit Center. Des Moines has some of the most affordable ADU permitting costs among major US cities — low plan review fees and no impact fees make ADU construction financially accessible.
Des Moines Permit and Development Center
Phone: (515) 283-4200
Website: https://dsm.city/departments/permit_and_development_center-division
Online Permits: https://dsm.city/departments/permit_and_development_center-division/pages/permits
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:30pm
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 Building Code — ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Requirements. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source