Sign Regulations in Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines, Iowa has specific sign regulations covering 24 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Integral Sign, Temporary Sign, Projecting Sign. Height restrictions apply. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: June 24, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Des Moines, Iowa
Sample Sign Requirements in Des Moines
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Integral Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — |
| Monument Sign (Residential Household Living 8-15 units) | 8 ft | 4 sq ft | — |
| Monument Sign (Residential Household Living 16+ units) | 8 ft | 24 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Des MoinesPartial Coverage
Sign Types Covered
24
- Integral Sign
- Temporary Sign
- Projecting Sign
- Marquee Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Des Moines
Other Cities in Iowa
Frequently Asked Questions
In Des Moines, monument signs are limited to 8 ft. Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Des Moines, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Des Moines, regulated sign types include Integral Sign, Temporary Sign, Projecting Sign, Marquee Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Des Moines vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in Des Moines are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Des Moines has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Des Moines, Iowa Sign Rules at a Glance
Des Moines, Iowa regulates 24 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Monument Sign (DX1, DX2, DXR, MX1, MX2, MX3, RX1, RX2, P1, P2)s in the Downtown Districts (DX1, DX2, DXR), Mixed-Use Districts (MX1, MX2, MX3), Residential Mixed-Use Districts (RX1, RX2), Commercial Mixed-Use District (CX), Employment Mixed-Use District (EX), Industrial Districts (I1, I2), Public, Civic, and Institutional Districts (P1, P2) zoning district are capped at 8 ft (≤25 ft setback), 15 ft (≥25 ft setback) tall and 25/75/15 sq ft (zone dependent), with a Setback affects allowable height. setback (Sec. Table 134-5.6-1, 134-5.6.5).
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Des Moines, Iowa
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Des Moines (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture District (A), Neighborhood Districts (N1a, N1b, N2a, N2b, N3a, N3b, N3c, N4, N5, NM), Neighborhood Mix Districts (NX1, NX2, NX2a, NX3) | 9 | 8 ft | 75 sq ft | — |
| Flood District (F) | 6 | 8 ft (≤25 ft setback), 15 ft (≥25 ft setback) | 100 sq ft per sign | — |
| Downtown Districts (DX1, DX2, DXR), Mixed-Use Districts (MX1, MX2, MX3), Residential Mixed-Use Districts (RX1, RX2), Commercial Mixed-Use District (CX), Employment Mixed-Use District (EX), Industrial Districts (I1, I2), Public, Civic, and Institutional Districts (P1, P2) | 9 | 8 ft (≤25 ft setback), 15 ft (≥25 ft setback) | 200 sq ft per sign | — |
| Planned Unit Development (Legacy PUD) | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 5 | Primary: 8 ft; Secondary: 6 ft | Primary: 36 sq ft/8 ft height; Secondary: 15 sq ft/6 ft height | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Des Moines(sample of 3 of 5 zones)
Agriculture District (A), Neighborhood Districts (N1a, N1b, N2a, N2b, N3a, N3b, N3c, N4, N5, NM), Neighborhood Mix Districts (NX1, NX2, NX2a, NX3)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Integral Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | — | Carved, extruded, engraved into building or made of permanent metal and attached to building. | — | Unlock | 134-5.4.1, 134-5.5.3 |
| Monument Sign (Residential Household Living 8-15 units) | 8 ft | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 | — | — | Unlock | 134-5.5.2, Table 134-5.5-1, 134-5.5.3 |
| Monument Sign (Residential Household Living 16+ units) | 8 ft | 24 sq ft | — | — | 1 | — | — | Unlock | 134-5.5.2, Table 134-5.5-1, 134-5.5.3 |
| Monument Sign (Group Living 1-49 residents) | 8 ft | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 | — | — | Unlock | Table 134-5.5-1, 134-5.5.3 |
| Monument Sign (Group Living 50+ residents) | 8 ft | 24 sq ft | — | — | 1 | — | — | Unlock | Table 134-5.5-1, 134-5.5.3 |
| Monument Sign (Public, Civic, Institutional Uses) - Option A | 8 ft | 24 sq ft per sign | — | — | 1 per building and 1 per street frontage | — | — | Unlock | Table 134-5.5-1, 134-5.5.3 |
| Monument Sign (Public, Civic, Institutional Uses) - Option B | 8 ft | 75 sq ft | — | — | 1 | — | — | Unlock | Table 134-5.5-1, 134-5.5.3 |
| Monument Sign (Commercial Uses A and NX Districts ONLY) | 8 ft | 24 sq ft | — | — | 1 | — | — | Unlock | Table 134-5.5-1, 134-5.5.3 |
Flood District (F)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | 100 sq ft per sign | — | — | 2 per occupant | Not specified | — | Unlock | Table 134-5.6-1; 134-5.6.3; 134-5.6.4 |
| Monument Sign | 8 ft (≤25 ft setback), 15 ft (≥25 ft setback) | 25 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Per street frontage | — | Unlock | Table 134-5.6-1, 134-5.6.5 |
| Projecting Sign | — | 100 sq ft | — | — | In place of wall sign. Total wall+projecting+roof signs may not exceed 2 per occupant. | — | — | Unlock | Table 134-5.6-1, 134-5.6.6 |
| Marquee Sign | — | 100 sq ft | — | — | In lieu of wall signs | Front facade only | — | Unlock | Table 134-5.6-1, 134-5.6.9 |
| Integral Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | — | Integral to building | — | Unlock | 134-5.4.1 |
| Temporary Sign | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | — | — | Unlock | 134-5.4.6 |
Downtown Districts (DX1, DX2, DXR), Mixed-Use Districts (MX1, MX2, MX3), Residential Mixed-Use Districts (RX1, RX2), Commercial Mixed-Use District (CX), Employment Mixed-Use District (EX), Industrial Districts (I1, I2), Public, Civic, and Institutional Districts (P1, P2)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (DX1, EX, I1, I2, P1, P2) | — | 200 sq ft per sign | — | — | 2 per occupant | May not cover windows, building openings, or significant architectural features (134-5.6.4B). | — | Unlock | Table 134-5.6-1, 134-5.6.3, 134-5.6.4 |
| Wall Sign (DX2, DXR, MX1, MX2, MX3, CX, RX1, RX2, F) | — | 100 sq ft per sign | — | — | 2 per occupant | May not cover windows, building openings, or significant architectural features. | — | Unlock | Table 134-5.6-1, 134-5.6.3, 134-5.6.4 |
| Monument Sign (DX1, DX2, DXR, MX1, MX2, MX3, RX1, RX2, P1, P2) | 8 ft (≤25 ft setback), 15 ft (≥25 ft setback) | 25/75/15 sq ft (zone dependent) | — | Setback affects allowable height. | 1 per street frontage | Per street frontage | — | Unlock | Table 134-5.6-1, 134-5.6.5 |
| Monument Sign (CX, EX, I1, I2) | 8 ft (≤25 ft setback), 15 ft (≥25 ft setback) | 75 sq ft (CX, P); 200 sq ft (EX, I) | — | Setback affects allowable height. | 1 per 250 linear feet | Per 250 linear feet of frontage | — | Unlock | Table 134-5.6-1, 134-5.6.5 |
| Projecting Sign | — | Same as wall sign for that zone | — | — | Total number of wall+projecting+roof signs may not exceed wall sign max | From building wall | — | Unlock | Table 134-5.6-1, 134-5.6.6 |
| Marquee Sign | — | Same as wall sign for that zone | — | — | Total wall+projecting+roof signs may not exceed wall sign max | Front facade only | — | Unlock | Table 134-5.6-1, 134-5.6.9 |
| Roof Sign (DX1, MX3, CX, EX, I1, I2) | 8 ft above building roof (additional building type / zone height limits apply) | Same as wall sign for that zone | — | — | Total wall+projecting+roof signs may not exceed wall sign max | Roof of building | — | Unlock | Table 134-5.6-1, 134-5.6.8 |
| Temporary Sign | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | — | — | Unlock | 134-5.4.6 |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Des Moines — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 5 zones for Des Moines — start freeProhibited Signs in Des Moines
- Signs for which a required permit has not been issued.
- Signs located and maintained in such a manner as to constitute a nuisance as provided in the municipal code.
- Signs or other attention-getting devices that are permanently attached to the ground or to a structure and that contain or consist of banners, balloons, posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners or other similarly moving devices, except as expressly allowed in this article.
- Signs that are permanently attached to the ground or to a structure and that swing or otherwise noticeably move as a result of wind pressure because of the manner of their suspension or attachment.
- Building mounted and fascia signs that encroach more than 18 inches on or over a street right-of-way at a height less than eight feet above grade without an areaway permit pursuant to chapter 102 of this code.
- Signs that extend above the roof line of the building to which they are attached, except in cases where roof signs are expressly allowed, or signs that cover all or a portion of the roof of a building surface.
- Electronic display signs and multi-vision signs that do not comply with applicable operational regulations pursuant to section 134-5.7.
- Search lights, strobe lights, rotating beacon lights, and flashing lights that are visible from public right-of-way, except as otherwise expressly allowed by this article or required by law.
- Signs located in or obstructing a required parking or loading space, or that otherwise obstruct vehicular or pedestrian access or circulation, or that pose any other hazard to motorized or non-motorized travel.
- Signs that obstruct any fire escape, required exit, window or door opening used as a means of egress.
- Signs that interfere with an opening required for ventilation, except that signs may cover transom windows when not in violation of applicable building and fire safety codes.
- Signs affixed directly to a tree, utility pole or traffic control device which signs are not owned, operated, or otherwise permitted by the city.
- Signs that obstruct, impair, obscure, interfere with the view of, or that may be confused with, any authorized traffic control sign, signal, or device.
- Sign displays with a brightness of such intensity or brilliance that they impair the vision or endanger the safety and welfare of any pedestrian, cyclist, or person operating a motor vehicle.
- Signs attached to or painted on an inoperable or unlicensed vehicle, motorized or non-motorized.
- Signs attached to or painted on a licensed motor vehicle that is parked on the same property for more than 10 hours per day and is uncovered and visible from the public right-of-way or is parked within 25 feet of the street right-of-way.
- Pole signs except as expressly allowed by the regulations of this chapter.
- Painted signs, other than historic signs, murals, and signs in or on windows.
- Signs located within the public right-of-way unless an applicable permit is obtained pursuant to chapter 102 of this code, or the sign is otherwise permitted pursuant to agreement with and on behalf of the city as required for public safety or governmental interest.
- Signs located on city-owned property that are not owned, operated, or otherwise permitted by the city.
- Temporary signs posted or maintained in exchange for a fee.
- Any sign that is located in a vision clearance triangle.
- Any sign that is posted or maintained in violation of this article.
Exempt Signs in Des Moines
- Signs erected, maintained, or otherwise posted, owned, or leased by local, state, or federal governmental entities in the public right-of-way are not subject to the regulations of this article.
- Signs that are an important component of measures necessary to serve the compelling governmental interest of protecting public safety, public regional transit services, traffic safety, complying with legal requirements, serving the requirements of emergency response and protecting property rights or the rights of persons on property, including: (a) signs required by federal, state or local law to warn of danger or to prohibit access; (b) official notices or advertisements posted or displayed by or under the direction of any public or court officer in the performance of official or directed duties (provided they are removed once purpose is accomplished); (c) where the city by agreement, permit or otherwise allows or requires signage within public right-of-way for a public purpose.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Des Moines
- Signs in Legacy Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) must comply with this chapter unless the Legacy PUD includes signage allowances and requirements in the PUD Conceptual Plan and/or PUD Final Development Plan, and the sign conforms with all signage allowances and requirements in said Plan(s).
- If the sign is within a Legacy PUD: signs must comply with the PUD Conceptual Plan and/or PUD Final Development Plan if such plans include signage allowances and requirements; otherwise, zoning district standards apply.
- Type 1 and Type 2 zoning exceptions are available for sign regulations other than sections 134-5.2 (prohibited signs), 134-5.7 (electronic and multi-vision displays), and 134-5.8 (general advertising signs).
- Type 1 and Type 2 zoning exceptions are available for the number and size of temporary signs, pursuant to sections 134-6.5.2.8 and 134-6.6.2.7.
- For electronic or multi-vision displays, if located on a lot occupied by an events center, the regulations of section 134-5.7 may be waived or modified if approved in accordance with Type 2 zoning exception procedures.
Source: other municipal code