Des Moines Accessibility Review - City Ordinances Guide

Housing and Building Standards Iowa 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Iowa

In Des Moines, Iowa, public entities and private operators of public sites can request or be subject to accessibility reviews under city building and accessibility practices. This guide explains how to request a site accessibility review, who enforces accessibility-related municipal requirements, what penalties or remedies may apply, and the practical steps to apply, appeal, or report issues in Des Moines. Consult the municipal code and department guidance linked below for controlling text and current procedures.Municipal Code[1]

Overview

An accessibility review assesses whether entrances, routes, signage, restrooms, and other public facilities meet applicable accessibility requirements. In Des Moines this work typically coordinates building code, public works/rights-of-way, and city accessibility or human-rights contacts. Reviews can be initiated by property owners, permit applicants, rental operators, or by the city after a complaint or inspection.

Start early: request a review before major construction or public events.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement authority for accessibility issues in public sites in Des Moines is distributed among code enforcement, Building & Inspections, and the city office responsible for accessibility or civil rights; exact sanctions and fine schedules vary by the controlling code section or ordinance.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.See municipal code[1]
  • Escalation: the municipal code or regulations set first, repeat, and continuing offence treatment; specific ranges are not specified on the cited page.See municipal code[1]
  • Non-monetary remedies: orders to comply, abatement directions, permit withholding or revocation, corrective work orders, or referral to court for injunctive relief or enforcement liens.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Building & Inspections or the designated ADA/accessibility contact handle inspections and complaints; contact details and submission procedures appear on the department page.Building & Inspections[2]
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes are set by ordinance or department rules; time limits for filing appeals are not specified on the cited pages and may appear on the controlling ordinance or department procedures.
If you receive a corrective order, note the appeal deadline and follow permit or variance routes quickly.

Applications & Forms

Applying for an accessibility review is often part of a building permit, site plan review, or a standalone request to the city accessibility contact. The city publishes permit forms, but a single dedicated ‘‘accessibility review’’ form is not always listed.

  • Permit forms: see Building & Inspections permitting pages for building permits and plan submittal instructions.Permit info[2]
  • Fees: specific review or inspection fees are not specified on the cited page.
  • Submission: in-person, online portal, or email as described by the department; check the department page for current methods.Submission guidance[2]

Common Violations

  • Inaccessible entrance routes or thresholds.
  • Improper ramp slopes or missing handrails.
  • Signage lacking required accessibility information.
  • Restrooms or fixtures not meeting clearances.

Action Steps

  • Step 1: Review applicable municipal code sections and prepare site drawings.[1]
  • Step 2: Submit a building permit or request an accessibility review to Building & Inspections.[2]
  • Step 3: If you need an accommodation or have a complaint, contact the city accessibility office or ADA coordinator.City accessibility contact[3]

FAQ

Who can request an accessibility review?
Owners, tenants, permit applicants, or members of the public may request a review; the city may also initiate reviews after complaints or inspections.
Are there fees for an accessibility review?
Fee schedules vary by permit type; specific review fees are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed with Building & Inspections.[2]
How long does a review take?
Timelines depend on workload and permit complexity; exact timeframes are not specified on the cited pages.

How-To

  1. Gather existing drawings, photos, and a brief description of the accessibility concern.
  2. Contact Building & Inspections or the city accessibility contact to request the review and confirm required documents.[2]
  3. Submit permit applications or the standalone review request, including fees if required.
  4. Schedule and attend any site inspection; implement corrective measures if ordered.
  5. If you receive an order, follow the appeal instructions in the order or contact the department for review timelines.

Key Takeaways

  • Request reviews early in the design or permitting process to avoid delays.
  • Use Building & Inspections and the city accessibility contact for filings and complaints.[2]

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Municipal Code - City of Des Moines (Municode)
  2. [2] City of Des Moines - Building & Inspections
  3. [3] City of Des Moines - Accessibility / ADA contact

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