Des Moines Apartment Fire Escape & Elevator Rules
In Des Moines, Iowa, rules for apartment fire escapes and elevators are governed by the city building and fire regulations and enforced by municipal departments. This guide summarizes the key responsibilities for landlords and building owners, how inspections and permits usually work, common violations, and practical steps tenants and managers can take to keep exits and elevators safe. It points to the official municipal code and city departments so you can verify requirements and file complaints or permit requests.
Required Standards for Fire Escapes and Means of Egress
Apartment buildings must provide safe means of egress, maintain exterior fire escapes where required by code, and keep stairways and exit paths clear and operable. Specific construction, maintenance, and signage standards are written into the city-adopted building and fire codes; consult the municipal code and building services for precise technical specifications[1].
Elevator Safety and Maintenance
Elevators in Des Moines apartment buildings are subject to regular inspection and maintenance obligations. Owners must ensure inspection records and maintenance logs are available for review by the building official or fire prevention staff. For permit and inspection procedures, contact the city building and inspection office[2].
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement is carried out by the City of Des Moines Building and Safety Division and the Des Moines Fire Department. The municipal code and department rules specify remedies and enforcement routes; where fines or specific penalty amounts are not listed on the cited pages, this guide notes that they are "not specified on the cited page" and directs you to the enforcing office for details[1][3].
- Fines: monetary penalties for violations are not specified on the cited page; contact the Building and Safety Division or municipal code office for amounts and schedules[1].
- Escalation: the municipal process may include correction orders, repeat-offender citations, and daily continuing fines where authorized, but specific escalation ranges are not specified on the cited page[1].
- Non-monetary sanctions: typical measures include orders to correct unsafe conditions, placarding, condemnation or temporary closure, and referral to municipal court or civil enforcement actions[1].
- Enforcers and complaints: the Building and Safety Division and Des Moines Fire Department handle inspections and complaints; use the official contact pages to request inspections or file complaints[2][3].
- Appeals and review: appeal routes are administered through the city procedures or municipal court; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with the Building Official or Fire Marshal[1].
Applications & Forms
The city provides building permit and inspection processes for work affecting fire escapes and elevators. Specific form names or numbers for elevator permits or fire-escape work are not specified on the cited pages; contact Development Services or check the Building Division permit portal for the correct application and fee schedule[2].
Common Violations
- Blocked or locked exits and stairways.
- Poorly maintained or corroded exterior fire escape structures.
- Elevator inspection or maintenance records not produced on request.
- Alterations to egress or elevator equipment made without required permits.
Action Steps for Tenants and Owners
- Report imminent hazards to 911 and non-emergency building or fire complaint lines as listed on the city pages[3].
- If planning work on exits or elevators, submit a building permit application and required plans to Development Services[2].
- Keep inspection and maintenance records available and respond promptly to correction orders.
- If you receive an enforcement order, follow the listed remedies and inquire about appeal deadlines from the issuing office.
FAQ
- Are landlords required to provide exterior fire escapes?
- Requirements depend on building type, age, and applicable code provisions; check the city-adopted building and fire codes and contact Development Services for your building's obligations[1].
- Who inspects elevators in Des Moines?
- Elevator inspections and related permits are coordinated through the city building and inspection office; contact the Building Division for frequency and record requirements[2].
- How do I report a blocked exit or unsafe elevator?
- Report immediate dangers to 911; non-emergency complaints and inspection requests go through the Building and Safety Division or the Fire Prevention office via the city contact pages[3].
How-To
- Document the hazard with photos and note dates and times.
- Contact your landlord or property manager in writing requesting correction and keep a copy.
- If unsafe conditions persist, file a complaint with Des Moines Building and Safety or the Fire Department using the city contact pages[2][3].
- If the condition is imminent and dangerous, call 911 and follow emergency instructions.
Key Takeaways
- Maintain clear, code-compliant exits and keep elevator records available.
- Use official city contacts to request inspections or file complaints.
- Obtain building permits before altering egress or elevator systems.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Des Moines Code of Ordinances
- Des Moines Development Services / Building Division
- Des Moines Fire Department - Prevention