Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I am having a wedding, party, sales event, etc. Do I need a tent permit?

A. You need a tent permit if:
Your tent has no sides, and is larger than 400 square feet
Your tent has sides, and is larger than 200 square feet.

Contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at (515) 283-4240 to get a tent permit application.

Q. Are fireworks allowed in Des Moines?

A. Only sparklers and worms/snakes. Fireworks displays are permitted by licensed operators with approval by the city Fire, Police and Legal Departments.

Q. Can I burn yard waste?

A. No, Polk County Board of Health, Rules and Regulations, Chapter V, Air Pollution Control states, in part: “… It shall be unlawful for any persons to open burn or to permit open burning of any refuse, rubbish, garbage, landscape waste or other combustible material within the cities of Des Moines…from any source from and after September 21, 1983.”

Q. Are fire pits allowed within the city limits?

A. No. There are no recreational fires permitted in the city limits without a permit from the Polk County Air Pollution Control Office. To apply for a bonfire/burn permit you may contact them at (515) 286-2263.
** A fire pit does not have under-fire air – they are not considered a grill or a fireplace. **

Q. Why are fire pits sold in the city if we can not use them?

A. Stores sell them to people to take outside the city limits to use (camping, etc.) or to people who live in other cities.

Q. What is the difference between a fireplace and a grill?

A. Des Moines follows the rules set by the Polk County Board, the complete policy can be found at: http://www.airquality.co.polk.ia.us/rules.aspx . Refer to Article III Section 5-7:

A “Fireplace”, for the purposes of Article III Section 5-7, means a structure, with an open recess at the base of a chimney or stack, with a grate for food preparation and provisions for under-fire air, for holding an outdoor fire off the ground.

A “Grill”, for the purposes of Article III Section 5-7, means a cooking utensil with a grate for food preparation and provisions for under-fire air, for holding an outdoor fire off the ground.

Q. I don’t think the emergency siren near my house is working, who do I contact?

A. You can contact DMFD at (515) 283-4240. The sirens are tested the first Saturday of each month (unless there are current weather warnings out during that time frame.)


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