Des Moines is Iowa’s capital and fastest-growing metro, where booming suburban development in communities like Johnston, Ankeny, and Urbandale has created one of the busiest fence markets in the state. The challenge here is less about extreme terrain and more about keeping up with active HOAs in newer subdivisions that have detailed requirements for fence height, material, color, and even which direction the finished side must face. The City of Des Moines has its own permit process, but many homeowners in the broader metro are actually subject to their suburb’s municipal code, making it critical to confirm your specific jurisdiction before hiring a contractor.
Find a Fence Company Near You, Enter Zip Below.
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Des Moines Steel Fence |
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| Address: | 5158 NW Beaver Dr, Johnston, IA 50131 | ||
| Phone #: | (515) 270-6227 | ||
| Website: | http://www.dsmfence.com | ||
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Des Moines Steel Fence |
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| Address: | 5158 NW Beaver Dr, Johnston, IA 50131 | ||
| Phone #: | (515) 270-6227 | ||
| Website: | http://dsmfence.com | ||
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The Door & Fence Store |
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| Address: | 2316 230th St Suite #304, Ames, IA 50014 | ||
| Phone #: | (515) 292-4292 | ||
| Website: | http://www.doorandfencestore.com | ||
Des Moines Zoning & Permit Guide
Height Standards: In Des Moines proper, rear and side yard fences are generally permitted up to 6 feet and front yard fences up to 4 feet. In suburban jurisdictions like Johnston, Ankeny, and Urbandale, standards are similar but HOA rules frequently impose stricter limits on materials and visibility.
Permit Requirements: The City of Des Moines Development Services Department requires a permit for most permanent fence installations. Suburban cities each have their own processes — contact your specific municipality’s building department to confirm. See our FAQ on fence permit requirements.
HOA Considerations: Many of Des Moines’s newer suburban subdivisions have active HOAs with detailed fence standards covering material type, post color, picket spacing, and gate placement. Always review your HOA documents before selecting a contractor or material.
Pool Safety: Iowa pool barrier requirements follow the International Residential Code, requiring a minimum 48-inch (4-foot) enclosure with self-closing, self-latching gates. Learn more about making your fence pool code compliant.
Utilities: Iowa law requires calling Iowa One Call (811) at least two working days before any digging begins.