Neighborhood Inspection Division
The Neighborhood Inspection Division is staffed by sixteen inspectors, three supervisors and one administrator. The Division has a clerical staff of four. Each inspector is responsible for a specific geographical area of the City.
The division has three primary responsibilities; rental inspections, the oversight of condemned buildings, and the abatement of junk and debris which includes junk vehicles.
Complaints about health and zoning code enforcement, residential contract sales, public nuisances, or rental home inspections may be brought to the attention of the Division by emailing or calling (515) 283-4046.
In addition to the three major areas of responsibilities, the Neighborhood Inspection Division is also responsible for other neighborhood inspection duties. Call (515) 283-4046 with any related concerns or inquiries.
Contact Us
Neighborhood Inspections
Argonne Armory – 2nd Floor
602 Robert D Ray Drive
Des Moines IA 50309
Email
Phone: (515) 283-4046
Health and Zoning Code Enforcement
A major component of the Divisions duties deals with health and zoning complaints. The majority of this work deals with junk/debris and junk vehicles which are violations of the municipal code. Inspectors identify violations, advise the property owner of the violation, giving them appropriate time to conduct clean-ups on their own. If the violation is not abated, the inspector arranges a clean up at the property owner's expense.
Complaints may be brought to the attention of the Division by phoning (515) 283-4046 or by Email.
Vacant Residential Property Information
Private Home Inspections
The City of Des Moines requires a contract seller to have residential property inspected by an independent home inspector before its sale. The results of this inspection are to be provided to the buyer to help them make a more informed decision when purchasing a home.
Pursuant to Chapter #60 of the Municipal Code, a list of private home inspectors have been recognized by the City of Des Moines for the purpose of performing private home inspections for properties to be sold on contract.
Private home inspectors who have been certified by the City may request the City’s Home Inspection form by contacting us via email or from the receptionist in the Community Development Neighborhood Inspection division located in the Argonne Armory Building, 2nd Floor, 602 Robert D Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA 50309 . The City’s form must be used by all certified private home inspectors who perform inspections on properties to be sold on contract.
Rental Home Inspections
Inspectors are also charged with the responsibility of inspecting rental units. Single family and duplex structures are examined every thirty-six months. Structures of larger multiples are inspected every twenty-four months.
Rental Housing Inspection Fees
Public Nuisances
The abatement of public nuisance structures deals with the identification of structures in the city that are not fit for habitation. The goal is to see the buildings rehabilitated or removed. Once identified as a public nuisance the structure is posted by an inspector and boarded for the purposes of security by a private contractor.
Complaints may be brought to the attention of the Division by phoning (515) 283-4046 or via Email.
Vacant Residential Property Information