West Des Moines, Iowa Zoning Map
Zoning, overlays and hazards on every parcel - and an answer to what the code actually lets you build. Compiled from current zoning data for all 31 districts.
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Zoning
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West Des Moines, Iowa Zoning Districts: What Do They Mean?
Zoning districts are areas regulated by specific laws that determine land use, building types, and development rules. Each district below shows its zone type. West Des Moines's ordinance does not state permitted uses as citywide flags, so they are read from each district's own table rather than summarised here.
| Zone Code | Category | Area | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
OS Open Space And Agricultural | - | 4,025.8 ac | Standards & uses → |
RS Residential Single Family | - | 2,403.5 ac | Standards & uses → |
PUD/R-1 Planned Unit Development Single Family Residential | - | 2,206.9 ac | Standards & uses → |
RE Residential Estate | - | 1,703.1 ac | Standards & uses → |
Showing 4 of 31 districts
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What does OS actually permit?
The full standards for one district, read straight from the source.
Run it →How is West Des Moines zoned?
West Des Moines regulates land through 31 zoning districts, and the organising mechanism is a planned unit development prefix applied across the roster. PUD versions exist for single family residential, medium density residential, high density residential, business and commercial, office, industrial and open space, together covering roughly 7,946 acres.
That total exceeds every conventional district, so most of the city is governed by approved plans rather than by the citywide tables. The prefix is the first thing to establish on any site here.
Open Space And Agricultural is the largest single classification at roughly 4,026 acres, with a planned open space variant adding about 1,555. Together they mark a substantial commitment to undeveloped land.
The conventional residential ladder runs residential estate, single family, medium density and high density, with two separate single family districts covering roughly 3,950 acres between them.
One district is named for a place: Single Family Valley Junction Residential, covering roughly 198 acres. Zoning that historic neighborhood separately recognises a fabric distinct from the newer subdivisions around it.
A Professional Commerce Park covers roughly 1,042 acres, the principal employment classification, with light and general industrial districts adding about 1,021 more and a business park roughly 126. This is pre-development intelligence, not legal advice - verify with the local planning department before acquisition.
West Des Moines zoning: frequently asked questions
How much of West Des Moines is planned unit development?
PUD versions of single family, medium and high density residential, business and commercial, office, industrial and open space together cover roughly 7,946 acres, exceeding every conventional district. Most of the city is governed by approved plans.
What is the Valley Junction district?
A single family residential district covering roughly 198 acres named for that historic neighborhood. Zoning it separately recognises a fabric distinct from the newer subdivisions around it.
Which is the largest single classification?
Open Space And Agricultural at roughly 4,026 acres, with a planned open space variant adding about 1,555. Together they mark a substantial commitment to undeveloped land.
What is the Professional Commerce Park district?
The principal employment classification at roughly 1,042 acres, alongside light and general industrial districts covering about 1,021 acres between them and a business park at roughly 126.
How is the conventional residential ladder organised?
Through residential estate, single family, medium density and high density districts. Two separate single family districts cover roughly 3,950 acres between them, and residential estate covers about 1,703.
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Zoning data is pre-development intelligence, not legal advice. Verify with the West Des Moines planning department before acquisition or design.