Bolthole Index

Des Moines County, Iowa

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Des Moines County, Iowa

69Index Score / 100
#15 of 99 in Iowa

Unincorporated Des Moines County, Iowa does not describe a general countywide building permit, but almost all new construction and development in the county zoning area within 2 miles of Burlington needs a zoning permit before work begins12. County zoning does not cover the rest of the unincorporated county3. Des Moines County Public Health handles permits, site approval and inspections for on-site wastewater systems countywide4.

At a glance

Building permit
No general countywide building permit confirmed; a zoning permit is required for almost all new construction in the Burlington-area county zoning jurisdiction12
Zoning
County zoning applies only within the county's 2-mile jurisdiction around Burlington3
Septic
County Public Health reviews sites, issues permits and inspects new or reconstructed systems4
RV living
Long-term occupancy on private land is unconfirmed; ask the Land Use Department3
Tiny homes
No tiny-home-specific occupancy rule confirmed; parcel zoning still matters near Burlington3
Owner-builder
Iowa exempts work on your own property from contractor registration, not from permits or code compliance5
Private wells
County Public Health reviews sites and inspects new and reconstructed wells, but a local permit requirement is unconfirmed6

Who to call

Zoning

Des Moines County Land Use Department

County planning, zoning and floodplain permits, subdivision review, and land-use ordinance enforcement

319-753-4313

[email protected]

211 N. Gear Ave.

Septic permits

Des Moines County Public Health — Environmental Health

On-site wastewater plan review, site approval, permits and inspections; private-well review and inspections

319-753-8290

Roads & driveways

Des Moines County Roads

County-road access questions and driveway permit applications when required

319-753-8241

[email protected]

13522 Washington Rd. West Burlington, IA 52655

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 27, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Des Moines County, Iowa?

Des Moines County has not published a general countywide residential building-permit requirement for ordinary private construction1. The concrete local requirement is narrower: almost all new construction and development within the county zoning jurisdiction extending 2 miles from Burlington needs a zoning permit before construction begins2. Qualifying agricultural uses are exempt from that zoning rule, although agricultural work in a Special Flood Hazard Area may still need floodplain approval2. Iowa's state building code applies only in specified circumstances, including state projects, certain state-funded construction, factory-built structures and governmental subdivisions that adopt it7. Des Moines County's adoption of a residential building code, general residential inspections and certificates of occupancy remain unconfirmed; ask the Land Use Department what applies to the exact parcel and structure8.

Who handles permits in Des Moines County?

The Des Moines County Land Use Department is the first call for zoning, floodplain and subdivision questions; the county contracts with Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission to provide that service8. Call 319-753-4313, email [email protected] or visit 211 N. Gear Ave.8. The office can use its map to confirm whether a parcel falls inside the limited Burlington-area zoning jurisdiction8. For land outside city limits, the published zoning-permit fee is $25 for accessory use only or $40 when a principal use is included, while a floodplain development permit is $259. Des Moines County Public Health separately handles on-site wastewater review and permits at 319-753-82906. For new access to a county road, contact Des Moines County Roads at 319-753-8241 or [email protected]1011.

Does Des Moines County have zoning?

Yes, but Des Moines County zoning covers only a specific area within 2 miles of Burlington; the rest of the unincorporated county is not zoned by the county3. Inside that jurisdiction, rules vary by district and use12. For example, a single-family dwelling in the A-1 district generally needs 2 acres and 150 feet of lot width, subject to exceptions for certain existing lots and farmstead splits13. A-1 principal uses have 30-foot front and rear setbacks and a 15-foot side setback, while other districts and uses differ14. Iowa allows counties to zone outside city limits, but qualifying agricultural land and structures are generally exempt except for floodplain regulation15. Municipal rules may apply inside incorporated places; ask the relevant city rather than assuming county standards control3.

How do septic permits work in Des Moines County?

Des Moines County Public Health Environmental Health reviews on-site wastewater plans and sites, issues permits, inspects new and reconstructed systems, and investigates complaints4. In the Burlington-area zoning jurisdiction, County Health must approve the proposed sewer system before a zoning permit can issue for a new building that needs wastewater treatment16. A single- or two-family dwelling there may use an on-site sewer only when cluster or municipal sewer is not readily available17. Only 0.1% of county soils avoid severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so obtain parcel-specific site approval before treating a conventional system as feasible18. Iowa also generally requires inspection of a private sewage system serving 1–4 dwelling units before an ownership transfer, subject to statutory exceptions19.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Des Moines County?

Des Moines County has not confirmed a general rule for long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy on private unincorporated land3. Ask the Land Use Department whether the parcel is in the Burlington-area zoning jurisdiction and whether the proposed structure or use needs zoning or floodplain approval8. Iowa prevents a county from rejecting a proposed residence solely because it is a manufactured home, but the home must meet the same permanent-foundation, setback and minimum-square-footage standards that apply to a site-built single-family dwelling on the same lot20. That manufactured-home protection does not answer whether an RV or tiny home may be occupied on a particular parcel20. Any occupied structure needing wastewater treatment must also follow the applicable county septic process4.

How do you build a home in Des Moines County?

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is inside a city or in unincorporated Des Moines County, because county land-use applications apply outside city limits9.
  2. Ask the Land Use Department whether the parcel lies in the county zoning jurisdiction near Burlington and obtain the zoning district, setbacks and permit requirements8.
  3. Have County Public Health review the wastewater site and approve the system before relying on a septic design4.
  4. If zoning applies, submit a site plan and applicable building floor plans with the zoning-permit application21.
  5. Ask the Land Use Department about floodplain approval and Des Moines County Roads about any new county-road entrance810.
  6. Confirm directly whether any residential building-code permit, inspection or certificate of occupancy applies, because those county requirements remain unconfirmed1.

What should you check before buying land in Des Moines County?

Start with jurisdiction: confirm the parcel is outside city limits and whether it falls inside the county zoning area near Burlington3. Order septic feasibility work before closing because only 0.1% of county soils avoid severe limitations for a conventional drain field18. Verify floodplain status and legal road access with Land Use and County Roads before choosing a house site810. Ask Public Health about private-well siting and inspection; the county describes plan review and inspection but does not confirm a well-permit requirement6. Des Moines County's effective property-tax rate is about 1.5%, and its median annual property-tax bill is about $2,0972223. The county has about 38,253 residents at 91.9 people per square mile, and the nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 55 miles from the county center242526.

Watch-outs

  • County zoning near Burlington is not the same as a countywide building-code permit; ask the Land Use Department which approvals apply before construction18.
  • Only 0.1% of Des Moines County soils avoid severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so septic feasibility can change a property's usable building area and cost18.
  • Long-term RV living, temporary camping, tiny-home occupancy and a county minimum dwelling size remain unconfirmed; ask the Land Use Department about the parcel and proposed use38.

Sources

  1. Des Moines County Land Use Department (2026 county census)
  2. Land Use Department - Des Moines County Government - Iowa, quoted and re-checked
  3. Des Moines County Land Use Department (2026 county census)
  4. Environmental Health - Public Health - Des Moines County, IA (2026 county census)
  5. Iowa Code 2026, Chapter 91C — Construction Contractors (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  6. Des Moines County Public Health — Environmental Health (desmoinescounty.iowa.gov)
  7. Building Code Plan Review (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. Des Moines County Land Use Department (desmoinescounty.iowa.gov)
  9. Fee Schedule - Land Use Department - Des Moines County, Iowa, quoted and re-checked
  10. Final Plat Application - Des Moines County, quoted and re-checked
  11. Des Moines County Roads (desmoinescounty.iowa.gov)
  12. Des Moines County Zoning Ordinance No. 34, quoted and re-checked
  13. Des Moines County Zoning Ordinance No. 34, quoted and re-checked
  14. Des Moines County Zoning Ordinance No. 34, quoted and re-checked
  15. Iowa Code 2026, Chapter 335 — County Zoning (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Des Moines County Zoning Ordinance No. 34, quoted and re-checked
  17. Des Moines County Zoning Ordinance No. 34, quoted and re-checked
  18. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  19. Iowa Code §455B.172, Jurisdiction of department and local boards (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Iowa Code §335.30, Manufactured and modular homes (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Des Moines County Zoning Ordinance No. 34, quoted and re-checked
  22. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  24. County population: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Population density: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Distance to the nearest metro area: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 27, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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County locator

Des Moines County in Iowa

69
County map
Des Moines County highlighted among the Iowa counties · colored by Index score

How Des Moines County scores

Seclusion51100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency64100% ev.
Admin Boringness61100% ev.
Durability59100% ev.
Property Autonomy51100% ev.
Carry Cost66100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$151kTypical home
1.5%Property tax
$7,802Land / acre
38.2"Annual rain
5.7% of yrsSevere drought
6.6 / yr (+6)Mid-century 100°F days
16.2 daysMid-century dry spell
1.88" (+7.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.75×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,489Home insurance / yr
2.1% / yrInsurance growth
0.57%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
52,198People within 30 min
1,537,866People within 2 hr
45,351Radius comparison (15 mi)
91.9People / sq mi
8.6%Federal land
87.8%Land at 15% slope or less
0.1%Septic soil without severe limits
163 acWorkable land screen
23.9%Wooded land
49.3 tonsBiomass / forest ac
51.1°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Des Moines County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Des Moines County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    New construction and development in the county zoning jurisdiction within 2 miles of the City of Burlington.

    • A zoning permit is required for almost all new construction and development projects in the two-mile area and must be submitted before construction begins.
    • The ordinance exempts qualifying agricultural uses; agricultural construction or excavation in Special Flood Hazard Areas may require floodplain permits.
    • This is a zoning-permit rule, not an affirmative finding of a countywide building-code permit.
    “Except when exempted by Division 10, Section 10 of this Ordinance, or Section G of this Division, prior to the issuance of a Zoning Permit by the Land Use Administrator, it shall be unlawful to construct, erect, enlarge, move, alter, or reconstruct any building or structure, or to change the use of any building, structure or land from one classification (agricultural, residential, commercial, or industrial) to another.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Land subject to the county zoning ordinance within its two-mile Burlington jurisdiction.

    • The official map is kept by the Land Use Administrator and available to the public.
    • District regulations are minimum standards for new development within each district.

    published districts: A-1 Agricultural; R-1 Single and Two-Family Residential; R-1A Riverfront Residential; R-2 Multi-Family Residential; C-1 General Commercial; I-1 Industrial; PUD Planned Unit Development Overlay; FP Floodplain Overlay

    “DIVISION 20. “A-1" AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT [...] DIVISION 25. “R-1" SINGLE AND TWO-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT [...] DIVISION 30. “R-1A" RIVERFRONT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT [...] DIVISION 35. “R-2" MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT [...] DIVISION 40. “C-1" GENERAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT [...] DIVISION 45. “I-1" INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT [...] DIVISION 50. “PUD” PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY DISTRICT [...] DIVISION 55. “FP” FLOODPLAIN OVERLAY DISTRICT”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Residential development in zoning districts within the county zoning jurisdiction near Burlington.

    • In the A-1 district, single-family dwellings generally require 2 acres and 150 feet of lot width.
    • A preexisting lot of record under 2 acres, or a new lot splitting an existing farmstead, must instead comply with R-1 bulk regulations.
    • Other districts and sewer-service configurations have different standards.

    A-1 single-family minimum lot area: 2 acres (Lots of record under 2 acres existing before ordinance adoption and new lots splitting existing farmsteads follow R-1 bulk regulations.) · A-1 single-family minimum lot width: 150 feet

    “The dwelling shall have a minimum lot area of two (2) acres and a minimum lot width of one-hundred fifty (150) feet.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Permitted principal uses in the A-1 zoning district within the county zoning jurisdiction near Burlington.

    • Other districts and uses have different setbacks.
    • The ordinance says agricultural-use setbacks are strongly encouraged and voluntary where the agricultural exemption applies.

    A-1 principal-use front setback: 30 feet · A-1 principal-use rear setback: 30 feet · A-1 principal-use side setback: 15 feet

    “For all Permitted Principal Uses, the minimum front and rear setbacks shall be thirty (30) feet, and the minimum side setback shall be fifteen (15) feet.”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    R-1 residential lots in the county zoning jurisdiction near Burlington.

    • The stated maximum applies to R-1 lots under 40,000 square feet; other district standards may differ.

    R-1 maximum lot coverage: 25 percent (Applies to any lot under 40,000 square feet in size.)

    “For any lot of under forty thousand (40,000) square feet in size, the maximum lot coverage shall be twenty-five (25) percent of the lot area.”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Permitted uses in the A-1 zoning district within the county zoning jurisdiction near Burlington.

    • Other zoning districts have different height limits.

    A-1 building height: <= 2 full stories · A-1 building height: <= 35 feet

    “For all permitted uses, no building shall exceed two (2) full stories or thirty-five (35) feet in height.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    On-site wastewater systems in Des Moines County.

    • County Environmental Health performs plan review and site approval, issues permits, inspects new and reconstructed systems, and investigates complaints.
    “The staff for the Environmental Division of the Des Moines County Public Health Department provides inspection and disease prevention services designed to control the factors that are responsible for the spread of disease through food, water, and other environmental exposures. [...] Plan review and site approval. [...] Issue permits Download Permit Here.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    On-site wastewater treatment for new residential buildings in the county zoning jurisdiction within 2 miles of Burlington.

    • Single- and two-family residential dwellings may use an on-site sewer system only when cluster or municipal sewer is not readily available.
    • County Health must approve the form of sewer system before a zoning permit issues.
    “Single and two-family residential dwellings may use an on-site sewer system if access to a cluster or municipal sewer system is not readily available.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Buildings requiring wastewater treatment in the county zoning jurisdiction within 2 miles of Burlington.

    • No zoning permit for a new building requiring wastewater treatment may issue until County Health approves the sewer-system form.
    • Single- and two-family dwellings may use on-site sewer only if cluster or municipal sewer is not readily available.
    • For multi-family, commercial, and industrial uses, on-site sewer is allowed only when Health approves it instead of cluster or municipal sewer.
    “No Zoning Permit for a new building requiring wastewater treatment shall be issued until the County Health Department has approved the form of sewer system to be used for that building. [...] Single and two-family residential dwellings may use an on-site sewer system if access to a cluster or municipal sewer system is not readily available.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision plat review in unincorporated Des Moines County.

    • The Land Use Administrator shares final plats with County Health and County Secondary Roads.
    • Final plats are null and void unless recorded within 6 months of Board of Supervisors approval.
    • In the two-mile zoning area, new buildings or additions require zoning permits; floodplain permits may also be required depending on 100-year floodplain location.

    recording deadline after Board approval: <= 6 months (Final plat and accompanying material otherwise become null and void.)

    “The final plat and accompanying material shall be considered null and void unless it is recorded within 6 months of approval by the Board of Supervisors.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    New private roadway or driveway access to a county road associated with a subdivision.

    • A permit application must be requested from County Secondary Roads if a new private roadway or driveway is necessary to access a county road.
    • The applicant is advised to consult Secondary Roads before submitting the subdivision application to assess whether the entrance is feasible.
    “If a new private roadway or driveway is necessary to access a County road, you will need to request a permit application from their office.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    County Land Use permits for properties outside city corporate limits.

    • The published applications are only for unincorporated county properties outside city limits.
    • Cities require separate permit information.
    • The page lists zoning, subdivision, floodplain-development, and airport-height fees.

    zoning permit fee, accessory use only: 25 USD · zoning permit fee, principal use included: 40 USD · floodplain development permit fee: 25 USD

    “Zoning | Zoning or Special Use Permit | $25 - Zoning Permit, Accessory Use only $40 - Zoning Permit, Principal Use included”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning-permit applications in the county zoning jurisdiction within 2 miles of Burlington.

    • Applicants must provide the specified identity, property, project, dimensions, height, proposed-use, and unit-count information.
    • A site plan and, when applicable, building floor plans must accompany the application; floor plans may be waived for accessory buildings.
    • The Land Use Administrator may require additional information and approves or denies according to ordinance compliance.
    “Each application for a Zoning Permit shall be accompanied by the following: a) A site plan for the proposed development, as further detailed in Division 110 of this Ordinance. b) Building floor plans, whenever applicable. This requirement may be waived for accessory buildings.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    The County Zoning Ordinance applies only to a limited area within 2 miles of the City of Burlington, where a zoning permit is required for almost all new construction; the rest of the unincorporated county is not zoned by the county.

    Des Moines County Land Use Department ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Iowa rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    A person performing work or having work performed on the person's own property, for purposes of Iowa Code chapter 91C contractor registration.

    • The exemption is from being treated as a contractor for purposes of chapter 91C; it is not stated to waive building permits, building-code compliance, inspections, or certificates of occupancy.
    • The separate annual-earnings threshold is less than $2,000, but the own-property exemption is stated independently.
    • A contractor doing business in Iowa must register under chapter 91C unless an applicable statutory exclusion applies.
    “However, a person who earns less than two thousand dollars annually or who performs work or has work performed on the person’s own property is not a contractor for purposes of this chapter.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    The Iowa State Building Code, including the 2024 International Building Code adopted by reference with Iowa amendments, applies statewide to state-owned buildings and structures, qualifying state-funded construction, certain cities over 15,000 that lack a substantially equivalent local building code, and governmental subdivisions that accept the code by ordinance. Factory-built-structure provisions apply throughout Iowa.

    • In a governmental subdivision, the code generally applies only after the governing body enacts an ordinance accepting applicability and files a certified copy with the commissioner.
    • The local ordinance fixes the effective date, which must be no more than six months after adoption.
    • A governmental subdivision may withdraw after one year by ordinance, following the required public hearing and written notice; the withdrawal date must be at least 180 days after ordinance adoption, and previously issued permits are unaffected.
    • The state building code applies to state-owned buildings and structures and to newly constructed buildings and structures paid for in whole or in part with state-appropriated money but not wholly state-owned.
    • Cities with populations over 15,000 that lack a local building code substantially in accord with nationally recognized standards must enforce the state building code.
    • Factory-built-structure provisions apply throughout the state; an approved factory-built structure is deemed compliant with building regulations applicable to its manufacture and installation and is exempt from other state or local building regulations, subject to the statutory exceptions concerning professional engineering and architecture and manufactured homes.
    • The current administrative rule adopts the 2024 International Building Code by reference with amendments; detached one- and two-family dwellings, certain townhouses not more than three stories, and their accessory structures instead comply with the amended International Residential Code.

    adopted model building code: 2024 International Building Code (Adopted by reference with Iowa amendments.) · current administrative-rule effective date: 2025-09-10 (Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 481.301 source identifies ARC 9474C as effective September 10, 2025.) · local ordinance effective-date limit: <= 6 months after adoption · local withdrawal waiting period: >= 1 year after code became applicable (A governmental subdivision may withdraw only after this period has elapsed.) · withdrawal effective-date minimum: >= 180 days after ordinance adoption (Previously issued permits remain unaffected.)

    “The state building code shall be applicable: [...] In each governmental subdivision where the governing body has enacted an ordinance accepting the application of the code.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Buildings and structures subject to Iowa Code section 103A.10A, including newly constructed state-owned buildings, state-board-of-regents buildings, and certain state-funded buildings.

    • Newly constructed state-owned buildings and structures subject to the state building code are subject to plan review and inspection, excluding renovations and repairs except as provided by statute.
    • Newly constructed buildings owned by the state board of regents are subject to plan review and inspection, excluding renovations and repairs except as provided by statute.
    • State-funded buildings not wholly owned by the state are subject to state plan review and inspection when the governmental subdivision has not adopted the listed codes or does not perform inspections; otherwise they must comply with the local codes and inspections.
    • For ordinary privately owned construction, inspection administration is governed by the applicable local law or ordinance.
    “All newly constructed buildings or structures subject to the state building code, including any addition, but excluding any renovation or repair of such a building or structure, owned by the state or an agency of the state, except as provided in subsection 2, shall be subject to a plan review and inspection by the commissioner or an independent building inspector appointed by the commissioner.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Certificates of occupancy or use for buildings subject to Iowa's State Building Code and certificates approving specified buildings, facilities, or installations for licensure.

    • A local building department issues certificates of occupancy or use when required by ordinance.
    • When issued for a building constructed under the state building code, the certificate must certify conformity with the code and is in the form prescribed by the governing body of the governmental subdivision.
    • For facilities governed by Iowa Administrative Code chapter 481.280, if a certificate of occupancy is required for use, it will not be issued until the inspection fee is paid.
    • Chapter 481.280.5 applies to a certificate approving a building, facility, or installation for occupancy upon request from an owner or owner's agency when applicable rules are satisfied and all fees are paid.
    • The state sources do not require a certificate of occupancy for every building statewide.

    additional reinspection fee: 125 USD (Applies for each additional reinspection after the initial reinspection when original deficiencies remain uncorrected.)

    “Issue certificates of occupancy or use, permits, licenses, and other documents in connection with the construction of buildings or structures as may be required by ordinance. (1) A certificate of occupancy or use for a building or structure constructed in accordance with the provisions of the state building code shall certify that the building or structure conforms to the requirements of the code. The certificate shall be in the form the governing body of the governmental subdivision prescribes.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Placement and residential occupancy of manufactured homes under county zoning statewide in Iowa

    • A county may not disallow the proposed residential structure solely because it is a manufactured home.
    • The home must be located and installed under the same standards applicable to a site-built single-family dwelling on the same lot, including permanent foundation, setback, and minimum square footage standards.
    • The home must be assessed and taxed as a site-built dwelling.
    • A county may not require an incompatible perimeter foundation system and may not require more than one permanent foundation system.
    • Outside a manufactured home community or mobile home park, requirements may ensure visual compatibility of the permanent foundation system with surrounding residential structures.
    • Recorded restrictive covenants are not abrogated.
    • Counties may regulate transportation, water, sewerage, and other land development; the statute also bars width standards greater than twenty-four feet and certain design standards when federal standards are met.

    maximum mandated width standard: <= 24 feet (if the housing otherwise complies with 42 U.S.C. §5403)

    “A county shall not adopt or enforce zoning regulations or other ordinances which disallow the plans and specifications of a proposed residential structure solely because the proposed structure is a manufactured home. However, a zoning ordinance or regulation shall require that a manufactured home be located and installed according to the same standards, including but not limited to a permanent foundation system, set-back, and minimum square footage, which would apply to a site-built, single family dwelling on the same lot, and shall require that the home is assessed and taxed as a site-built dwelling.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    City regulation of accessory dwelling units statewide in Iowa, within a zoning district where a single-family residence is an allowed principal use

    • At least one accessory dwelling unit must be allowed on the same lot as a single-family residence.
    • The accessory dwelling unit must comply with applicable building regulations under chapter 103A.
    • The unit may not exceed 1,000 square feet or 50 percent of the size of the single-family residence, whichever is larger; unfinished basements are excluded from the size calculation.
    • Historic-building-code restrictions, deed restrictions, and common-interest-community rules may limit or prohibit construction or use.
    • A manufactured or mobile home used as the accessory dwelling unit must be converted to real property by placement on a permanent foundation and assessed for real-estate taxes under section 435.26.
    • A historic-preservation area may regulate the unit to the extent the city or commission determines it incongruous and records its reasons.
    • Effective July 1, 2026.

    maximum accessory dwelling unit size: 1,000 square feet or 50% of the single-family residence, whichever is larger (unfinished basements excluded from the size calculation)

    “A city shall allow a minimum of one accessory dwelling unit on the same lot as a single family residence within a zoning district where a single family residence is an allowed principal use, in accordance with the following conditions:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — County regulation of accessory dwelling units statewide in Iowa, within a zoning district where a single-family residence is an allowed principal use
      “A county shall allow a minimum of one accessory dwelling unit on the same lot as a single family residence within a zoning district where a single family residence is an allowed principal use, in accordance with the following conditions:”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Private sewage disposal systems serving buildings with one through four dwelling units, before qualifying ownership transfers statewide.

    • Inspection is required before transfer of ownership, including seller-financed real estate contracts.
    • The county recorder may not record the deed or conveyance document without a certified inspector report, unless weather or temporary physical conditions prevent inspection and the buyer executes a binding acknowledgment.
    • The requirement applies to sale, exchange, real estate contract, or other purchase of real estate and improvements.
    • Exceptions include specified court-ordered, foreclosure-related, fiduciary, family, demolition, recently installed system, partition, tax-sale, low-consideration, and qualifying family-entity transfers.
    • The septic tank must be opened and pumped at inspection, unless evidence shows it was properly pumped within three years before inspection by a licensed commercial septic tank cleaner.
    • A failing system must be renovated; a properly treating system without an unsanitary condition need not meet current construction standards.
    • Only a department-certified inspector may conduct the inspection.
    • An inspection is valid for two years for ownership transfers during that period.

    dwelling units: 1-4 · inspection validity: 2 years (for ownership transfers during that period) · prior septic pumping evidence: <= 3 years (must be by a department-licensed commercial septic tank cleaner) · civil penalty for fraudulent report: 5000 USD (and certification suspension for one year)

    “If a building where a person resides, congregates, or is employed is served by a private sewage disposal system, the sewage disposal system serving the building shall be inspected prior to any transfer of ownership of the building.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Iowa counties may adopt zoning ordinances for land and structures within the county but outside the corporate limits of any city.

    • Chapter 335 applies to any Iowa county at the option of its board of supervisors.
    • The zoning power is subject to Iowa Code section 335.2: ordinances generally do not apply to agricultural land, farm houses, farm barns, farm outbuildings, or other structures primarily adapted for agricultural purposes while so used, except that ordinances may apply to structures, buildings, dams, obstructions, deposits, or excavations in or on river or stream floodplains.
    • A county may not require an application, approval, or fee for an ordinance to be deemed inapplicable to qualifying agricultural land or structures.
    • A county may not regulate, restrict, or prohibit the location of permanent buildings or temporary structures used for consumer-fireworks sales pursuant to section 10A.519 in locations zoned commercial or industrial.
    • The board of supervisors may divide the county into zoning districts, and regulations may differ among districts.
    • Regulations and restrictions require public-hearing and notice procedures under sections 335.6 and 331.305; district boundaries must identify the affected township and section and, if possible, streets or roads.
    • Energy-conservation and solar-access objectives do not require zoning in a county that did not have zoning before July 1, 1981.
    “applicable to any county [...] at the option of the board of supervisors [...] outside of the corporate limits of any city.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Local zoning — Zoning administered by incorporated municipalities or other subordinate local authorities within Des Moines County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling floor area in the county zoning jurisdiction within 2 miles of Burlington.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term recreational-vehicle occupancy on private land in unincorporated Des Moines County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in unincorporated Des Moines County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Des Moines County.
2 more unanswered
  • Well permit
  • Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Des Moines County, Iowa

Is Des Moines County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Des Moines County scores 69/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and workable self-sufficiency basics (38.2″/yr rainfall).

Do you need a building permit in Des Moines County, Iowa?

Des Moines County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones), and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Des Moines County Public Health - Environmental Health. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Des Moines County, Iowa?

Land in Des Moines County runs about $7,802 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Des Moines County?

Des Moines County gets about 38.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 5.7% of years.

How remote is Des Moines County?

A representative private-land location has about 52,198 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,537,866 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Des Moines County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Des Moines compares in Iowa

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