Des Moines Tree Permits for Homeowners

Land Use and Zoning Iowa 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of Iowa

In Des Moines, Iowa homeowners must follow city tree rules when planting, pruning, or removing trees on public right-of-way and sometimes on private property. This guide summarizes who enforces the rules, where to find official permit requirements, and practical steps to apply, report damage, or appeal enforcement actions. For definitive code language see the city municipal code and the Urban Forestry/Forestry division pages cited below.[1][2]

Penalties & Enforcement

The city code and department pages describe enforcement responsibility and permit requirements; specific fine amounts and statutory schedules are not specified on the cited municipal pages below.[1]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence procedures are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: enforcement may include stop-work orders, restoration orders requiring replanting, and civil enforcement; specific remedies are not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer: Urban Forestry or Forestry Division within City of Des Moines departments; inspection and complaint pathways are available via the department contact page.[2]
  • Appeal/review: appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited page; contact the listed department for appeal instructions.[1]
Contact the Urban Forestry office promptly if enforcement or emergency pruning is involved.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes permit and tree work requirements through its forestry/urban forestry pages; the specific application form name, number, fee schedule, and submission method are not specified on the cited pages and should be requested from the department contact listed below.[2]

  • Form name/ID: not specified on the cited page.
  • Fees: not specified on the cited page.
  • Deadlines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Submission: contact the Urban Forestry division for current application methods (in-person, online, or email).[2]
Always ask the Urban Forestry office for the current application and fee schedule before starting work.

How permits typically work

Homeowners must determine whether the tree is on private property, within the public right-of-way, or a designated street tree. For right-of-way and street trees, the city commonly requires a permit and may restrict species, planting location, and pruning standards. For definitive scope and any exemptions consult the municipal code and the Urban Forestry page.[1][2]

Common Violations

  • Removing a street or public-right-of-way tree without prior permit.
  • Improper pruning that damages tree health or violates species standards.
  • Failing to obtain required planting or removal permits.
  • Failing to comply with restoration or replanting orders.

FAQ

Do homeowners need a permit to remove a tree in Des Moines?
It depends on whether the tree is a street tree, in the public right-of-way, or subject to a specific ordinance; contact Urban Forestry to confirm permit requirements.[2]
How do I report a hazardous or storm-damaged tree?
Contact the city Forestry/Urban Forestry division or use the city service request process listed in Help and Support / Resources below.[2]
Can I appeal a denial or enforcement action?
Appeal procedures and time limits are not specified on the cited municipal pages; request appeal instructions from the enforcing department or city clerk.[1]

How-To

  1. Confirm tree location: determine if the tree is on private property or in the public right-of-way.
  2. Contact Urban Forestry: request the permit application, fee schedule, and any species/location rules.[2]
  3. Complete and submit the application with required documentation (photos, site plan) as directed by the department.
  4. Pay applicable fees and wait for permit approval before starting work.
  5. Schedule inspection if required and comply with any restoration orders or permit conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • Check whether a tree is a street tree before removing or pruning.
  • Contact Urban Forestry early to request forms and avoid enforcement risk.
  • Document condition and follow permit conditions to reduce dispute risk.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Des Moines municipal code and city clerk resources
  2. [2] City of Des Moines Urban Forestry / Forestry Division contact and guidance

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