West Des Moines Residential Permit Guide

West Des Moines residential permits are submitted through the City Access Portal for homes, additions, remodels, decks, porches, garages, sheds, fences, pools, solar, and demolition.

Permit takeaway

West Des Moines says residential building permits are available online through the City Access Portal and lists project-specific requirements and checklists.

Zoning and placement

Residential projects can involve site plans, property lines, corner pins, egress windows, smoke detectors, pool barriers, and project-specific submittal requirements.

Building and trade review

Residential permit categories include new homes, additions, attached garages, remodels, basement finishes, egress windows, decks, porches, detached garages, sheds, fences, pools, solar PV, and demolition.

Call before applying when

Call before applying if the project changes structure, adds outdoor structures, changes windows or egress, installs solar, adds a pool, or needs trade permits.

Documents to prepare

• City Access Portal account
• Project checklist
• Plans or site plan if required
• Trade or specialized-system details

Inspection planning

• Apply online
• Upload plans
• Track progress in the portal
• Schedule required inspections
• Keep approval records

Official sources

• West Des Moines Single Family Residential
• West Des Moines Permit Applications

This guide is a planning summary. Always verify the current requirements with the local office before starting work.