Permit records
Des Moines permit search
Des Moines permit records are public. The county publishes them through Customer Self Service (EnerGov), and searching does not require an account.
By Mario Bailey Last checked · 13 official sources
- Project types verified
- 13
- in Des Moines
- Search verified
- 23 Oct 2026
- we opened it ourselves
Search Des Moines permit records
The Customer Self Service portal's Public Information search covers permits, plans, inspections, requests, licenses and projects without logging in; a keyword search matches address, permit number and project name (an address search for 1200 Locust returned 95 results, including Tidemark-era records from 2001). Archived permits not in the portal are requested through the city Public Records Request form.
The search accepts address, permit number, or project name.
Open the Des Moines record searchApplying rather than searching? Use the Des Moines permit portal
We opened this address ourselves on . Official government links only, and we check them on a schedule.
How to search
- Open the Des Moines permit record search.
- Enter an address, or switch the search type to look up permits by permit number or project name.
- Open a result to see the permit's status, inspection history, and issue date.
If the permit does not turn up
Older permits are often missing from online records, and a permit filed under a contractor's name will not surface in an address search that expects the owner. City of Des Moines Development Services Department, Permit and Development Center can check the paper file.
- T.M. Franklin Cownie City Administration Building (City Hall), 1200 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309
- Phone: 515-283-4200
- Email: permits@dmgov.org
- Official permit page
- Official fee schedule
What needs a permit in Des Moines
Every project type we have verified in Des Moines, with the rule, the threshold, and the fee that applies here.
| Project | Permit needed? | Threshold | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom Remodel Permit | It depends | When the remodel removes and replaces finishes on an entire wall or ceiling, alters... | "Renovations to dwellings: $154.50" for the building permit, plus $77.25 each for... |
| Deck Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...retaining walls, swimming pools, hot tubs, and other accessory structures: $77.25"... |
| Electrical Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...alterations and additions to existing dwellings and accessory structures:... |
| EV Charger Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...alterations and additions to existing dwellings and accessory structures: $77.25"... |
| Fence Permit | It depends | Height above which a fence needs a permit for fences other than chain-link; chain-link fences need one above 4 feet | ...retaining walls, swimming pools, hot tubs, and other accessory structures: $77.25"... |
| HVAC Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...alterations and additions to existing dwellings and accessory structures:... |
| Patio Permit | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not published |
| Plumbing Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...alterations and additions to existing dwellings and accessory structures:... |
| Pool Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...retaining walls, swimming pools, hot tubs, and other accessory structures: $77.25"... |
| Roof Replacement Permit | It depends | Today: only when roof sheathing, decking or framing (rafters) is repaired or replaced | ...residential building permit lines (for example "Renovations to dwellings: $154.50")... |
| Shed Permit | It depends | Floor area of a one-story detached storage shed, playhouse or similar accessory building | "New detached sheds and garages: $180.25" (City of Des Moines PDC Permit Fee Schedule... |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...alterations and additions to existing dwellings and accessory structures: $77.25"... |
| Water Heater Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...alterations and additions to existing dwellings and accessory structures: $77.25"... |