Des Moines Excavation Permits & Restoration Rules

Utilities and Infrastructure Iowa 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of Iowa

In Des Moines, Iowa, excavations in public rights-of-way and on city-controlled property require permits and follow restoration timelines set by the city. Contractors, utilities and property owners must confirm permit scope, restoration standards and inspection routines before breaking ground. Apply through the City Engineering permits page for right-of-way and street opening permits Engineering permits[1].

What permits cover

Typical city permits cover temporary openings, permanent pavement cuts, trenching, utility installations, street repairs and excavation within the public right-of-way. Private property excavation may still require city review when it affects sidewalks, drainage or connections to city systems.

Restoration timelines and inspections

The city requires restoration to specified standards and inspections at key stages: backfill, base course, and final surface restoration. Exact cure or waiting periods for temporary patches versus permanent restoration are set in the permitting conditions and restoration specifications.

  • Temporary patches commonly require permanent restoration within a timetable stated on the permit.
  • Inspections occur after backfill and before final surfacing; failure triggers corrective notices.
  • Restoration must meet the city pavement and grading standards listed with the permit.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for excavation and restoration violations is administered by the City of Des Moines Engineering or Public Works divisions; exact monetary fines, escalation schedules and prescribed civil remedies are published in the municipal code and department enforcement notices Des Moines Municipal Code[2].

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation (first, repeat, continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, mandatory corrective work, bond forfeiture and civil actions are available.
  • Enforcer and complaints: City Engineering/Public Works handles inspections, complaints and orders.
  • Appeals/review: the municipal code or permit terms list appeal procedures and any time limits; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
Report unsafe or noncompliant excavations to City Engineering promptly.

Applications & Forms

The city issues a right-of-way or street opening permit application used to request excavation or restoration work within city property. Specific form names, application numbers, fees and submittal instructions are published on the City Engineering permit page; if a specific fee or form number is not shown there, it is not specified on the cited page.

  • Application name: Right-of-Way/Street Opening Permit (as listed on the City Engineering permit portal).
  • Fees: see the permit portal for current fee schedule; if absent, fee amounts are not specified on the cited page.
  • Submission: the Development Services Center or Engineering permit portal handles submission and electronic uploads.
Always obtain an approved permit before disturbing public pavement or right-of-way.

Action steps

  • Confirm permit type and download the application from the City Engineering permit portal.
  • Submit plans, restoration details and traffic control plans with the application.
  • Schedule inspections at the required stages and verify final acceptance before leaving site.

FAQ

Who must obtain an excavation permit?
Contractors, utilities and property owners performing work in the public right-of-way or on city-controlled property must obtain the appropriate city permit.
How long before I must restore a temporary patch?
Timelines are specified on the permit and in restoration specifications; if not listed on the permit page, the timeline is not specified on the cited page.
How do I report a noncompliant restoration?
Contact City Engineering/Public Works through the official complaint or permitting contact points; see Help and Support / Resources below.

How-To

  1. Identify the correct permit type and review restoration specifications.
  2. Prepare plans, traffic control, and restoration details and complete the application.
  3. Submit the application via the Development Services Center or Engineering permit portal and pay applicable fees.
  4. Schedule required inspections at backfill, base and final surfacing stages.
  5. If cited for noncompliance, follow corrective orders and use appeal procedures if available.
Keep records of inspections, permits and photos until final acceptance is issued.

Key Takeaways

  • Obtain the right permit before excavating in the right-of-way.
  • Follow the permit's restoration timetable and schedule inspections.
  • Use City Engineering contacts for questions, complaints and appeals.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Des Moines - Engineering Permits and Right-of-Way
  2. [2] Des Moines Municipal Code (Municode)

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