Boards, Commissions and Committees

Online Application Form - Printable Application Form

The City of Des Moines’ Boards, Commissions, and Committees are special groups delegated to consider some matter. Members of these groups are appointed by City Council Members. Below is a list of the groups, many with additional information available on their respective Websites. If you are interested in serving on any of the groups you may apply for appointment using the links above. The Neighborhood Revitalization Board requires completion of a separate application. Most board seats have no special requirement, other than being a citizen of Des Moines. However, some seats require special criteria for members.

Official Des Moines Boards, Commissions and Committees

  • Access Advisory Board - Website (515) 248-6351

    Implement and establish handicap access to all City buildings and employment.

  • Airport Board - Website (515) 256-5100

    Authority to govern the operation of the DM International Airport, under supervision of DM City Council.

  • Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals(515) 283-4200
    1. Review the building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and fire codes periodically and make recommendations to the city council.
    2. Act as a board of appeals to hear grievances arising from a decision of the building official or fire chief and to provide for reasonable interpretations consistent with the provisions of the building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and fire codes.
    3. Determine the suitability of alternate materials and types of construction to those otherwise allowed by the building codes and to provide reasonable interpretations of the provisions of such article.
    4. Waive building code requirements that, in the opinion of the Board, do not render the building or structure more hazardous, based on life safety, fire safety and sanitation, than the code requires.
  • Citizen Odor Board - Website (515) 237-1612

    Maintain log books recording occurrences of odor nuisances, providing personal testimony of reaction to odor in respect to effects on health and right of enjoyment of life or property

  • Civil Service Commission - Website (515) 283-4213

    Recruits and examines applicants for Civil Service employment; maintains Civil Service employee records; hears and adjudicates employees appeals.

  • Des Moines Music Commission - Website (515) 237-1343

    Promote development, support and provide opportunity for input for live music performances, the music industry and musicians and the public within the city.

  • Enterprise Community Steering Committee (515) 283-4004

  • Historic Preservation Commission - Website (515) 283-4147

    Review and recommend designation of historic districts and further efforts of preservation.

  • Housing Appeals Board(515) 283-4046

    Hold hearings, grant variances, mediate appeals and recommend enforcement action in the administration of Housing Code Enforcement.

  • Human Rights Commission - Website (515) 283-4284

    Receive and investigate discrimination complaints, to formulate a comprehensive educational program to eliminate discrimination, and to recommend ways to discourage prejudice.

  • Library Board of Trustees - Website (515) 283-4288

    Have charge, control, and supervision of all public libraries.

  • Metropolitan Transit Authority - Website (515) 283-8111

  • Neighborhood Revitalization Board - Website (515) 283-4568

    To advise City Council and Board of Supervisors on housing improvement and neighborhood revitalization efforts.

  • Park and Recreation Board - Website (515) 237-1386

    Oversee planning and administration of City parks, cemeteries, recreation centers and various programs.

  • Plan and Zoning Commission - Website (515) 283-4182

    Set policy, determine plan and zoning requirements. Oversee the preparation and administration of the Comprehensive Plan, zoning, long-range planning, subdivision and public improvements.

  • Power Engineers(515) 283-4947

    Hold examinations for licensing of Stationary Boiler Engineers and Stationary Boiler Firemen.

  • Public Arts Commission(515) 237-1386

  • Public Housing Board - Website (515) 323-8950

    Initiate programs or projects, including grant applications that further the policies and plans of the Municipal Housing Agency including tenant conduct and relations, interact with other governmental agencies with respect to application for and implementation of grants and other funding programs, review and comment on Dept. Director's annual operating and capital budgets prior to their submission to City Manager, buy, lease, sell or exchange supplies, equipment and materials and to procure service or work to extend unencumbered funds are available when such contracts or agreements exceed $10,000.

  • Sister City Commission - Website (515) 283-4141

    Further economic cooperation/cultural exchange between Des Moines and foreign cities, recommend cities appropriate for designation as Sister Cities, and to coordinate Sister City activities.

  • Skywalk Commission(515) 283-4004

    Among other things, the Commission establishes minimum standards for operation, maintenance and repair of the skywalk system.

  • Strategic Planning Commission(515) 283-4913

  • Traffic Safety Committee - Website (515) 283-4141

    Study and recommend policy for pedestrian and vehicle traffic and safety conditions.

  • Urban Design Review Board - Website (515) 283-4004

    Makes recommendations to the Council on design of public projects and many downtown projects. This board also serves with the Historic Preservation Commission as the Landmark Review Board.

  • Water Works Board of Trustees - Website (515) 283-8734

    Oversee management and operation of Des Moines Water Works, including setting water rates.

  • Youth Advisory Board - Website (515) 283-4141

    Study and coordinate youth activities for the Des Moines area.

  • Zoning Board of Adjustment - Website (515) 283-4182

    Hear appeals for Zoning variances.

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