Des Moines Sign Permit Fees & Timelines

Des Moines, Iowa requires permits for most permanent and temporary signs. This guide explains common fees, typical approval timelines, the enforcing department, and practical steps to apply, pay, appeal, or report a violation in Des Moines.

Overview

The City of Des Moines regulates signs through its municipal code and through Planning and Urban Design permit processes. Requirements vary by zoning, sign type (wall, freestanding, awning, temporary) and whether the sign faces a public right-of-way. Always check the municipal code and contact the city permit office before ordering fabrication or installation.

Approval timelines & typical process

Timelines depend on completeness of the application, whether a zoning variance or building permit is also required, and current review workload. Typical milestones include intake, zoning or design review, building/structural review if applicable, and issuance.

• Initial intake and acceptance: usually a few business days if application is complete.
• Zoning and design review: can range from 1 to 4 weeks depending on complexity.
• Building permit review (structural/electrical for illuminated signs): additional review time; contractor-provided drawings may be required.
• Inspections and final approval: scheduled after installation and payment of applicable fees.

Fees

The municipal code and permit pages list fee schedules and fee types for sign permits, plan review, and inspections. Specific amounts vary by sign size, valuation, and whether structural or electrical permits are required. Where precise figures are not published on a single city page, applicants should consult the permit fee schedule or contact the permitting office for current rates.

• Base sign permit fee: not specified on the cited page.
• Plan review or engineering review fees: not specified on the cited page.
• Inspection and re-inspection fees: not specified on the cited page.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of sign rules in Des Moines is handled by the city’s code enforcement and planning staff, with involvement from building inspections for unsafe structures. Penalties and remedies typically include civil fines, removal orders, and potential court enforcement when orders are not complied with.

• Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
• Escalation: first notices followed by fines or abatement orders for continuing violations; specific ranges not specified on the cited page.
• Non-monetary remedies: removal or alteration orders, stop-work orders, and civil court actions.
• Enforcer and inspection pathways: Planning and Urban Design, Building Inspection, and Code Enforcement divisions accept complaints and inspect alleged violations.
• Appeals and review: appeal routes exist through administrative hearings or permit appeal processes; time limits for appeal are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with the department.

Applications & Forms

Most sign projects require a sign permit application; illuminated or structural signs may also require building and electrical permits. The city publishes application forms, submittal checklists, and plan requirements on its permit pages or at the planning office.

• Sign permit application form: name and number not specified on the cited page; check the Planning and Urban Design permit portal for the current PDF or online form.
• Required documents: site plan, scaled sign elevations, electrical diagrams if illuminated; exact checklist items are provided with the application materials.
• Payment and submission: fees payable at permit issuance; online or in-person submission options depend on the city’s current permitting system.

Common violations

• Unpermitted freestanding signs or banners.
• Signs exceeding allowed height, area, or placement in rights-of-way.
• Illuminated signs installed without electrical permit or proper wiring inspection.

FAQ

Do I need a permit for a temporary banner or grand opening sign?

Many temporary signs still require permission or must meet size and placement limits; check the city’s sign regulations and temporary sign rules before placing banners.

How long does a typical sign permit take?

Simple sign permits may be reviewed in days to a few weeks; projects requiring variances or structural review take longer. Always allow for additional time for revisions.

What if my sign was ordered by the city to be removed?

Follow the removal or correction notice, document your actions, and contact the issuing department about appeals or extensions.

How-To

1. Confirm zoning and sign type applicability by reviewing the municipal code or contacting Planning and Urban Design.
2. Prepare application materials: site plan, scaled drawings, contractor credentials, and electrical schematics if required.
3. Submit the sign permit application and pay applicable fees through the city’s permit portal or permit counter.
4. Respond promptly to reviewer comments and provide revised plans or additional documentation as requested.
5. Schedule inspections and obtain final approval before activating illuminated signs or completing permanent installation.

Key Takeaways

• Most permanent and many temporary signs require a permit from Des Moines.
• Allow several weeks for review, longer if variances or structural review are needed.
• Contact Planning and Urban Design early to confirm requirements and avoid enforcement actions.

Help and Support / Resources

• Des Moines Municipal Code - library.municode.com
• City of Des Moines Planning and Urban Design
• City of Des Moines Permits & Inspections