Des Moines Historic Preservation & Tax Credits Guide
Des Moines, Iowa property owners who own historic or contributing buildings face review under local preservation rules and may be eligible for state or federal tax credits. This guide explains the municipal review process, where local law applies, how to seek certificates or permits, and how to pair approvals with tax-credit programs. It points to official city code, planning resources, and the Iowa historic preservation office so owners can follow required steps and contact the right office.
Overview of Review and Incentives
The City of Des Moines requires review for exterior changes in designated historic districts and for landmarks through its planning and historic preservation processes; these reviews focus on compatibility, materials, and preservation of character. For municipal rules and designation criteria see the city preservation pages and municipal code City of Des Moines Historic Preservation[1] and the consolidated municipal code Des Moines Code of Ordinances[2]. State historic tax credit guidance is available from the Iowa State Historic Preservation Office Iowa SHPO[3].
Local Review Process
Typical steps for exterior work on designated properties include project consultation, preparation of drawings and materials lists, filing for a certificate of appropriateness or similar review, a staff and/or Historic Preservation Commission hearing, and issuance of approval with conditions. The Planning and Urban Design Department administers reviews and schedules Commission hearings.
- Pre-application consultation with Planning and Urban Design.
- Public notice and Commission hearing if required by ordinance.
- Issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness or written decision.
- Permits from Building Services as needed for construction work.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement of preservation-related rules is carried out by the City of Des Moines Planning and Urban Design Department and can involve administrative orders, stop-work notifications, or referral to municipal court. Specific monetary fines or daily penalties for violations are not specified on the cited municipal pages or summary guidance; see the municipal code for the controlling ordinance text and penalties where listed Des Moines Code of Ordinances[2].
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; check the Code of Ordinances for numeric amounts and schedules.[2]
- Escalation: information on first, repeat, or continuing offence escalation is not specified on the cited page.[2]
- Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, orders to restore or remove work, and referral to court appear as enforcement tools in municipal practice; specific remedies should be confirmed with Planning staff.[2]
- Enforcer and inspection: Planning and Urban Design enforces review decisions and coordinates inspections and code enforcement; report concerns through the city planning contact page.
Appeals and review: appeal routes, required timelines, and appellate bodies are set in the municipal ordinance and commission rules; the cited summary pages do not list exact appeal deadlines or procedures and direct users to the municipal code and Commission rules for time limits and forms.[2]
Applications & Forms
The city publishes guidance on applications such as certificates of appropriateness and permit requirements on the Planning and Urban Design historic preservation pages; specific form names, numbers, fees, and submission instructions may be available on the city site or through Planning staff. If a published form or fee schedule is not present on the city page, it is listed as not specified on the cited page and applicants should contact Planning directly for the current application packet.[1]
Common Violations
- Installation of incompatible windows or siding without approval.
- Demolition or removal of historic fabric without a demolition permit or Commission approval.
- Failure to obtain required Certificates of Appropriateness before construction.
FAQ
- Do I need approval to replace windows on a historic house?
- Yes, exterior changes in designated landmarks or historic districts typically require review and often a certificate of appropriateness; consult Planning and Urban Design for your property status and application requirements.
- Can I use tax credits for a private rehabilitation project?
- Owners may be eligible for federal and state rehabilitation tax credits if the work meets program standards and is approved by the State Historic Preservation Office; consult Iowa SHPO guidance and ensure local approvals align with tax-credit requirements.
- Who enforces preservation rules and how do I report a violation?
- The City of Des Moines Planning and Urban Design Department enforces preservation review decisions; report an issue via the city planning contact or code enforcement channels.
How-To
- Confirm whether your property is a landmark or in a historic district by contacting Planning and Urban Design.
- Gather photographs, plans, and a materials list outlining proposed exterior work.
- File a Certificate of Appropriateness or required application with Planning; attend any Commission hearing and respond to conditions.
- For tax credits, apply to the Iowa SHPO and follow the state and federal application process; secure local approvals before claiming credits.
- If you receive an enforcement notice, review the stated violations, meet deadlines for appeal, or request a meeting with Planning to resolve compliance.
Key Takeaways
- Start review conversations with Planning early to align permits and tax-credit timelines.
- Use official city and state historic-preservation contacts for application guidance.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Des Moines Planning & Urban Design contact
- City of Des Moines Building and Permitting
- City of Des Moines City Council and ordinance resources