Deck Construction Permits in Des Moines

Local Rule

City of Des Moines Permit and Development Center

The city's own Deck Handout, issued by the Permit and Development Center at 1200 Locust Street, follows the exemption pattern used statewide in Iowa: a freestanding deck under 200 square feet, no more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to the dwelling and not serving the main exit door needs no permit. Des Moines moved from the 2021 IRC to the 2024 IRC effective January 1, 2026, aligning with the state's latest adoption cycle, so any application filed on or after that date is reviewed under the newer edition. Applications go through the city's Customer Self Service (CSS) online portal, and standard residential deck permits typically take 5 to 10 business days to review.

Source · Verified September 2026

Des Moines Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to Polk County

Des Moines's own rule is shown above (Depends on project scope). Here is the separate rule that applies at the county level, for context:

Polk County Building Services (unincorporated areas)

Polk County Building Services reviews plans, issues permits, and inspects construction for decks and pools alongside new houses and additions in unincorporated areas of the county, with no size exemption listed for decks in the department's own permit materials. The county has adopted the 2021 International Codes for residential, commercial, and industrial projects, along with the state plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and energy codes.

See the full county page

Nearby Cities with Verified Rules

Other cities near Des Moines with a confirmed deck construction rule:

FAQs

Building It Yourself? Here's What You'll Need

Popular tools and materials homeowners use for a deck construction project:

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