ADU Permit Requirements in Des Moines, Iowa

Permit Process

Follow these steps to submit your permit application through City of Des Moines Planning and Zoning Department.

1. 1

   Zoning Eligibility Verification

   Obtain zoning verification letter from Des Moines Planning confirming ADU is allowed in property zoning district and meets dimensional requirements

   You'll need: Zoning Verification Letter, Proof of Property Ownership

2. 2

   Submit Building Permit Application

   Submit complete permit application with architectural, structural, utility plans and all required supporting documentation to Des Moines Planning and Zoning

   You'll need: Building Permit Application, Architectural Drawings, Site Plan, Structural Engineering Plans, Mechanical and Utility Plans

3. 3

   Plan Review and Approval

   Des Moines Planning conducts comprehensive plan review for compliance with zoning ordinance, Iowa Building Code, and design standards

4. 4

   Address Plan Review Comments

   Revise and resubmit plans as needed to address any code compliance issues or comments raised during plan review

5. 5

   Permit Issuance and Payment

   Pay all permit fees and receive approved building permit authorizing construction to begin

6. 6

   Construction Inspections

   Schedule and pass required inspections: foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and final inspection per Iowa Building Code

7. 7

   Certificate of Occupancy

   Receive Certificate of Occupancy from Des Moines Building Official upon successful final inspection and code compliance verification

Fees and Timeline

Authority Sources

Data on this page is sourced from official records published by the permitting authority. Always verify requirements directly before submitting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a adu permit in Des Moines?

Yes. Des Moines requires a adu permit for this type of project. Submitting without a permit may result in fines, required removal, or complications when selling your property.

How long does adu permit approval take in Des Moines?

Processing times in Des Moines vary depending on project complexity and current review volume. The process involves 7 steps. Contact Des Moines Development Services for current timelines.

What documents are required for a adu permit in Des Moines?

Des Moines requires 7 documents including Building Permit Application, Architectural Drawings, Site Plan, Zoning Verification Letter, and others. See the full list above for details.

What happens if I build without a adu permit in Des Moines?

Building without a permit in Des Moines can result in stop-work orders, fines, required removal of work, difficulty selling your property, and insurance complications. It is strongly recommended to obtain proper permits before starting work.

Can PermitMagic help prepare my adu permit submission in Des Moines?

Yes. PermitMagic generates a submission-ready packet tailored to Des Moines's requirements, including a document checklist, workflow steps, and authority references. Start a permit plan to get your personalized packet.

How much does a adu permit cost in Des Moines?

ADU permit fees in Des Moines typically range from $2,250 to $8,250, depending on project scope. Fees may include building permit, plan review, and technology surcharges. Verify current fees with Des Moines.

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