Des Moines Green Infrastructure Incentives - Apply

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

Des Moines, Iowa property owners, developers, and community groups can seek municipal green infrastructure incentives to reduce stormwater runoff, improve water quality, and offset utility fees. This guide explains who is typically eligible, the steps to apply, required documentation, inspection and maintenance expectations, and how enforcement works under city code. It summarizes the application pathway and practical actions to take before you start design or construction, and points to the city offices that manage incentives and stormwater credits.

Follow municipal application steps to qualify.

Eligibility & Overview

Eligibility commonly includes private property owners, commercial developers, and nonprofit organizations that install qualifying green infrastructure such as rain gardens, permeable paving, green roofs, and bioretention systems. The program may prioritize projects that reduce impervious surface or treat runoff for public benefit. Check project-specific technical standards and minimum sizing on the city program page.

How to Apply

Start early: coordinate with the city planning or stormwater staff during design, gather site plans and maintenance plans, and confirm eligibility before construction.

  • Prepare a project summary, site plan, and maintenance agreement.
  • Submit design drawings and any required calculations for runoff reduction.
  • Schedule pre-construction review with city staff.
  • Complete construction under any city inspection schedule.

Penalties & Enforcement

The Des Moines municipal code and related stormwater regulations set the enforcement framework for illicit discharges, failure to maintain approved stormwater or green infrastructure installations, and violations of permit or maintenance terms; specific fine amounts and escalation details are not specified on the cited municipal-code page Des Moines Code of Ordinances[1]. For operational enforcement, inspections, and ongoing compliance the city Public Works - Stormwater Utility is the enforcing office and primary contact for inspections and consent agreements Public Works - Stormwater Utility[2].

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited municipal-code page for green infrastructure-specific incentives; consult the ordinance pages for general penalty provisions.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence procedures are not specified on the cited program page; enforcement may include notices and progressive actions.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: the city may issue orders to repair or maintain, require remediation, suspend incentive eligibility, or seek court enforcement as allowed under city code.[1]
  • Enforcer: Public Works - Stormwater Utility handles inspections, compliance orders, and enforcement referrals.[2]
  • Inspection and complaint pathways: report complaints to the Stormwater Utility or file a complaint via the city contact page linked in resources.
Failure to maintain approved green infrastructure may result in enforcement action.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes program guidance and application instructions through Public Works or Planning. A dedicated green infrastructure incentive application form is not published on the main program pages; contact Stormwater Utility for the current application or template. If a specific application form exists it will be available from Public Works or the city permit portal.

  • Form name/number: not specified on the cited program page; contact Public Works for the current form.
  • Fees: program fees or review fees are not specified on the cited page; check fee schedules with the city department.
  • Deadlines: application deadlines or seasonal restrictions are not specified on the cited program page; confirm with staff.
If no standard form is available, contact Stormwater Utility for guidance.

FAQ

Who can apply for green infrastructure incentives?
Property owners, developers, and qualifying organizations in Des Moines may apply; eligibility specifics depend on project type and program criteria.
Are there inspection or maintenance requirements?
Yes. Approved projects typically require an operation and maintenance plan and periodic inspections to retain incentives or credits.
How long does approval take?
Review times vary by project complexity and workload; contact Public Works early to confirm current timelines.

How-To

  1. Contact Public Works - Stormwater Utility for pre-application guidance and technical standards.
  2. Prepare site plans, calculations, and an operation and maintenance plan per city guidance.
  3. Submit the application, plans, and any required fees to the department or permit portal.
  4. Schedule inspections during and after construction and sign any maintenance agreements required for credits.
  5. Maintain records and comply with inspection requests to avoid penalties or loss of incentives.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with pre-application meetings to avoid redesigns.
  • Document maintenance obligations to retain credits.
  • Contact Public Works early for forms and technical guidance.

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