Roof Replacement Permit in Des Moines, Iowa
It depends
Sometimes, depending on the project
Today: only when roof sheathing, decking or framing (rafters) is repaired or replaced. From January 1, 2027: every replacement of roof coverings.
Issued byCity of Des Moines Development Services Department, Permit and Development Center
By Mario Bailey, verified against official sources
Quick answer
Through December 31, 2026, Des Moines does not require a building permit to reroof a house; a permit is required only when sheathing or rafters are repaired or replaced. The city Minor Maintenance and Repair policy likewise exempts "Reroofing that does not involve alteration of roof sheathing, decking or framing members." Ordinance No. 16,568 (passed July 13, 2026) changes this: "Beginning January 1, 2027 replacement of roof coverings will require a building permit."
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When a permit is usually needed
Today: only when roof sheathing, decking or framing (rafters) is repaired or replaced. From January 1, 2027: every replacement of roof coverings.
What a roof replacement permit costs in Des Moines
How to apply in Des Moines
In Des Moines, a residential reroof permit application is lighter than for structural work: you state whether the scope is a full tear-off (roof replacement) or an overlay (roof recover), describe the covering material and its manufacturer instructions, and note the condition of the existing deck, since those facts determine which code path applies.
What most roof replacement permit applications include:
- State on the application whether the job is a roof replacement, which strips all existing layers down to the bare deck, or a roof recover, which leaves the old covering in place under specific conditions, since the two scopes are governed differently (IRC R908.3).
- For Des Moines, a recover is only an option where the new covering follows the roof covering manufacturer's approved instructions or is a self-supporting system, such as standing-seam metal, that does not rely on the existing roof for support (IRC R908.3.1).
- Full tear-off must be scoped on the application instead of a recover when the existing roof is water soaked or deteriorated, is slate, clay, cement, or asbestos-cement tile, or already carries two or more layers of roof covering (IRC R908.3.1.1).
- For Des Moines, the materials and installation methods described on the application must comply with the reroofing requirements of the roof-assemblies chapter (IRC R908.1).
- If the scope reuses existing slate, clay, or cement tile, damaged or broken pieces cannot be listed for reinstallation, and any rusted or deteriorated flashings, edgings, outlets, or vents uncovered during tear-off must be scoped for replacement (IRC R908.5).
General submittal guidance from IRC Section R908 Reroofing (text as adopted in the 2020 Residential Code of New York State, based on the 2018 IRC). Source. City of Des Moines Development Services Department, Permit and Development Center sets the exact checklist for Des Moines.
Where to apply in Des Moines:
City of Des Moines Development Services Department, Permit and Development Center
- T.M. Franklin Cownie City Administration Building (City Hall), 1200 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309
- Phone: 515-283-4200
- Email: permits@dmgov.org
Inspections and closing out your permit
In Des Moines, most residential reroofs get two to three field inspections keyed to the scope of work: a deck or nailing check when sheathing is exposed or replaced, a final on the completed covering and flashings, and in some high-wind regions a dedicated check of mitigation measures added during tear-off.
- In Des Moines: where the covering is fully removed and the sheathing is exposed, replaced, or added, inspectors check the deck and its nailing before any new roofing goes down, since the structural framework must be able to carry the new covering's loads (IRC R908.2).
- In Des Moines: an overlay is only approved where it meets one of the code's listed recover conditions, such as installation in accordance with the covering manufacturer's approved instructions (IRC R908.3.1).
- In Des Moines: flashings disturbed or replaced during the job are checked against the approved manufacturer's installation instructions, and metal flashing that will receive bituminous material must be primed before installation (IRC R908.6).
- In Des Moines: a final inspection confirms the completed roof covering and its fasteners were installed as required for that material and per manufacturer instructions before the permit is closed (IRC R905).
- In Des Moines: in some regions with strengthened wind provisions, reroofing an older single-family home also triggers inspection of supplemental deck-nailing and a secondary water barrier added during tear-off, on top of the base reroofing requirements (Florida Building Code, Residential R908.7 Mitigation).
- In Des Moines: reinstalled existing slate, clay, or cement tile is checked against reuse limits at inspection, and any rusted, damaged, or deteriorated flashings, edgings, outlets, or vents found during tear-off must be replaced rather than reinstalled (IRC R908.5).
Schedule each inspection in advance and pass the final before you use the work or close the permit. Request inspections through the Des Moines permit portal or by phone at 515-283-4200.
Inspection sequence from IRC Section R908 Reroofing and Section R905 Roof Coverings (2021 International Residential Code). Source. An open permit left un-inspected can surface later in a title search or home sale.
Your Roof Replacement Permit checklist for Des Moines
- Confirm the requirement. Sometimes, depending on the project. Usually needed: Today: only when roof sheathing, decking or framing (rafters) is repaired or replaced. From January 1, 2027: every replacement of roof coverings.
- Budget the fee. No reroofing fee is listed in the 1-1-26 schedule; work on sheathing or rafters falls under the residential building permit lines (for example "Renovations to dwellings: $154.50") (City of Des Moines PDC Permit Fee Schedule, "New Fees 1-1-26"). Official fee schedule.
- Apply. In Des Moines, a residential reroof permit application is lighter than for structural work: you state whether the scope is a full tear-off (roof replacement) or an overlay (roof recover), describe the covering material and its manufacturer instructions, and note the condition of the existing deck, since those facts determine which code path applies. Start at the Des Moines permit portal.
- Keep the office details handy. City of Des Moines Development Services Department, Permit and Development Center. Phone: 515-283-4200. Address: T.M. Franklin Cownie City Administration Building (City Hall), 1200 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309.
- Plan for inspections. In Des Moines, most residential reroofs get two to three field inspections keyed to the scope of work: a deck or nailing check when sheathing is exposed or replaced, a final on the completed covering and flashings, and in some high-wind regions a dedicated check of mitigation measures added during tear-off.
Compiled from the official sources on this page. Last checked .
Permitting activity in Des Moines
In 2025, Des Moines authorized permits for 1,676 new residential housing units (221 single-family, 1,455 in multi-family buildings), valued at $410M, up from 618 the year before. That works out to about 7.9 permits per 1,000 residents.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, 2025 annual data · population 212,082.
Frequently asked questions
- Do you need a roof replacement permit in Des Moines?
- Through December 31, 2026, Des Moines does not require a building permit to reroof a house; a permit is required only when sheathing or rafters are repaired or replaced. The city Minor Maintenance and Repair policy likewise exempts "Reroofing that does not involve alteration of roof sheathing, decking or framing members." Ordinance No. 16,568 (passed July 13, 2026) changes this: "Beginning January 1, 2027 replacement of roof coverings will require a building permit." Always confirm with the City of Des Moines Development Services Department, Permit and Development Center before starting.
- How much does a roof replacement permit cost in Des Moines?
- No reroofing fee is listed in the 1-1-26 schedule; work on sheathing or rafters falls under the residential building permit lines (for example "Renovations to dwellings: $154.50") (City of Des Moines PDC Permit Fee Schedule, "New Fees 1-1-26"). See the official fee schedule for current amounts.
- Where do you apply for a roof replacement permit in Des Moines?
- You can apply through the Des Moines permit portal or contact the City of Des Moines Development Services Department, Permit and Development Center directly. The links are listed on this page.
- Can a homeowner pull a roof replacement permit themselves in Des Moines?
- Under Iowa law (Iowa Code 103.22(7); 105.11(3); 91C.1(1)(a); 103A.19(1)): Yes, with limits. The electrical licensing law does not stop an owner from doing electrical work on their own principal residence, or require a license, if the home is an existing dwelling rather than new construction, is no larger than a single-family dwelling, is not an attached apartment, and qualifies for the homestead tax credit (103.22(7)). The plumbing and mechanical licensing law has the same owner exemption for an existing single-family principal residence or farm property, also tied to the homestead credit (105.11(3)). A person working on their own property is not a contractor and need not register (91C.1). Building permit applications under the state code must be signed by the owner or the owner's authorized agent (103A.19(1)); whether an owner may pull a local building permit is otherwise set by the city or county. No state owner-builder disclosure form or resale restriction was found. Confirm how Des Moines applies this before you apply.
From the Library
What else needs a permit in Des Moines
Every other permit type we have verified for this jurisdiction, with the rule 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:... |
| 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"... |
| 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"... |
Everything above, sourced
Code references
National and state model-code sections the general guidance on this page is drawn from. They are not Des Moines documents; the office above sets the local rules.
How this roof replacement permit page for Des Moines was verified. 2 official sources: dsm.city, dsm.city; fee schedule: official document. Last checked by Mario Bailey, not confirmed with City of Des Moines Development Services Department, Permit and Development Center. Rules change; confirm before you build. How we verify.
Last checked: Report an error on this page
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