Des Moines Floodplain Permits - Steps & Fees

Environmental Protection Iowa 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Iowa

In Des Moines, Iowa, property owners proposing development in mapped floodplain areas must follow local floodplain rules before construction or land alteration. This guide explains typical steps, what documents to prepare, where to apply, and how enforcement and appeals work under the city's floodplain program. It summarizes practical actions—apply, obtain required certificates, arrange inspections, and pay fees—and points to official municipal code and city permitting offices for authoritative requirements.

Overview

The City of Des Moines administers floodplain controls to comply with the National Flood Insurance Program and to reduce flood risk. Property owners should confirm whether their site is in a regulated floodplain, gather required plans (site plan, grading, proposed elevations), and contact the city permit office early to determine specific submittal requirements and any elevation certificate or engineering reports needed. If a variance or conditional permit is required, expect a review process and possible public notice.

Steps to Get a Floodplain Permit

Typical administrative steps property owners should expect when seeking a floodplain development permit:

  1. Confirm floodplain status with city maps and request any available base flood elevation (BFE) or hydraulic data.
  2. Prepare a site plan with existing and proposed grades, floor elevations, and computed lowest floor elevation.
  3. Submit permit application, required plans, and any engineering or elevation certificates to the city permit center.
  4. Undergo technical review; provide revisions if the plan does not meet local floodplain standards.
  5. Obtain permit approval, schedule inspections, and comply with as-built documentation requirements (including final elevation certificate if required).
  6. Pay permit and review fees as directed by the permit center; failure to pay or obtain permit can lead to enforcement actions.
Apply early and confirm required documents with the permit office to avoid delays.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of floodplain regulations is carried out by the city's permitting and code enforcement divisions and may include inspections, stop-work orders, civil penalties, and criminal sanctions where local law provides. Exact fine amounts and escalation steps are not specified on the cited municipal pages; see official municipal code and the permit center for precise penalty schedules.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: municipal process may include warnings, civil fines, and repeat/continuing offence penalties; amounts and intervals not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, orders to remove or remediate noncompliant work, and referral to municipal court or administrative hearings.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Development Services/Building Inspection or Code Enforcement accepts complaints and inspects alleged violations.
  • Appeals and review: appeal processes generally follow administrative hearing or municipal court routes; specific time limits and procedures are not specified on the cited page.
If construction started without a permit, contact the permit center immediately to limit penalties.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes permit applications and submittal checklists through its permit center. Specific application form names or numbers and stated fees are not specified on the cited pages; applicants should request the floodplain development application and any required elevation certificate form from the permit office when applying.

FAQ

Do I always need a permit to alter land in a floodplain?
Yes. Most construction, grading, and substantial improvements in mapped floodplain areas require a floodplain development permit and technical submittals.
What documents are commonly required?
Typical requirements include a site plan, proposed finished floor elevations, grading plan, elevation certificate, and supporting engineering where applicable.
How long does review usually take?
Review times vary with application complexity and completeness; contact the permit center for current target timelines.

How-To

  1. Confirm whether your property is in the regulated floodplain using city maps or by asking the permit office.
  2. Assemble required documents: site plan, elevations, and any engineering reports.
  3. Complete and submit the floodplain development permit application to the city permit center and pay applicable fees.
  4. Respond to review comments and revise plans as requested by reviewers.
  5. Schedule inspections during construction and submit any final as-built elevation certificates required for the permit closeout.
  6. If denied, follow the city's appeal process or seek a variance if criteria allow.

Key Takeaways

  • Confirm floodplain status before buying or building.
  • Prepare elevation information and site plans up front to speed review.
  • Contact the permit center early for forms, fees, and timeline expectations.

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