Getting Ready for Summer in the City
With summer right around the corner, we've seen residents starting to walk their dogs around downtown, ride their bikes on the trails and bring out the golf clubs from the basement. We are happy to see people enjoying the nice weather, while also still taking precautions to keep themselves and their neighbors safe.

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City's Historic Investment in Infrastructure
Stormsewer upgrade
To properly rebuild and replace our aging infrastructure, the City of Des Moines has started to take action at historic levels never seen in its 178-year history.

The current five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) plan began in 2020 and is projected to invest more than $400 million into repairing, replacing and building streets, bridges, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, stormwater upgrades and more.

"The City's vision includes a complete transportation system providing safe and efficient infrastructure for walking, bicycling, mass transit and automobiles," City Engineer Steve Naber said. "The Mayor and Council recognized the need for action and much greater investment in street improvements which will result in a considerable difference across Des Moines over the coming years."

Des Moines has the most streets of any city in the State of Iowa, with a staggering 2,207 lane miles. While the process takes time, careful planning, and thousands of hours of work from multiple departments, the City is listening to residents' concerns and addressing these issues head on.

Learn more about the CIP projects we're undertaking by exploring the interactive citywide project map at DSM.city/engineering/projects.
Tiny Trees Still Available!
Tiny Trees was a huge success this past Saturday as we handed out thousands of FREE trees to residents in Des Moines.

If you missed your chance to pick up, or would like to get some Tiny Trees for yourself, don't worry - we ARE holding a second chance pickup event. Join us Saturday (May 15) in front of City Hall (400 Robert D. Ray Drive) from 8 a.m. until noon. No registration required.
Do I Need a Permit for That?
Summertime means home projects, and the City of Des Moines wants to help you prepare. Below are some of the more popular projects that need permits before construction begins.
Fences
Wood fences no more than three feet high and chain-link fences no more than four feet high located outside the front yard are exempt from permits. All other fences require permits, and all fences, even those exempt from permits, must comply with City fence regulations.
Sheds
Sheds that are no more than 120 square feet in area, located in the rear yard, and located at least three feet away from dwellings and two feet away from property lines do not require permits. Anything larger does require a permit, and all sheds, no matter the size, are subject to planning and zoning requirements.
Garages
A permit is always required for a new garage or garage addition. Plans must be submitted with a garage permit application that show where the garage will be built, how it will be built, and what it will look like.
Interior Renovations
Cosmetic changes like replacing cabinets, patching drywall, painting, and installing new flooring do not require permits. However, removing more than 64 square feet of sheetrock, gutting a room to the studs, building new walls, removing or relocating existing walls, and finishing basements requires permits.
Exterior Changes
Exterior renovations such as building an addition, adding a roof over a patio, or replacing a deck require permits. Many exterior non-structural cosmetic repairs can be done without permits. Examples include replacing shingles on roofs, replacing siding with similar siding materials, and window and door replacements that do not involve changes to wall framing.

It is always best to contact the City’s Permit and Development Center to ask questions before starting a project.
All permit applications are now electronic and available on the Permit and Development Center webpage at DSM.city/pdc. This webpage is also a good source for information on permit processes and City requirements.

City staff are available and happy to answer questions before you get started. Email [email protected] or call (515) 283-4200 with permit questions. Find inspector contact information for your address by visiting showmemyhouse.DSM.city.
Citywide Block Challenge Grant
Invest DSM
The City is partnering with Invest DSM to pilot a citywide Block Challenge Grant Program. Starting July 1, applications will be accepted from neighborhood teams wanting to make exterior home improvements of all sizes, from a new mailbox to an addition or a new garage.

Funding will be available to assist between 100-150 program participants or 10-30 teams. The City will provide up to a 50% matching grant of up to $2,500 per project depending on team size and location within the City.

If you would like to start organizing a project, you can find more details about the program at DSM.city/BCgrant.
We Need To Hear About Your Stormwater Issues

We know that storm season makes some Des Moines residents anxious, and we want to make a plan to address that. Des Moines Public works is seeking public feedback for their Stormwater Master Plan to proactively identify community priorities for addressing the City's challenges with flooding, water quality and aging infrastructure.

By taking 10 minutes out of your day, you can make a difference in where the Public Works Department puts their focus in upgrading water quality, stormwater infrastructure and other stormwater-related problems. Responses are due May 31, so please act now.
More News
Tired of Yard Waste Bags? Try a Cart!
It’s that time of year again. Mowing and gardening season. If you bag your clippings or have yard waste to dispose of, it is NOT allowed in your garbage or recycling carts.

If you're regularly disposing of grass clippings, plant trimmings or fallen leaves, a Premium Yard Waste cart may be more economical for you than individual compost bags and stickers. The City of Des Moines offers a convenient 64 or 96-gallon cart for disposing of yard waste at your curbside all year round.

Learn more by visiting DSM.city/yardwaste.
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While this newsletter is still relatively new, we'd love to hear what you think. What kinds of things are you interested in, or what would be helpful for your neighborhood? Send your suggestions to [email protected].