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.
NID inspectors and phone numbers may be viewed on the territory map.
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
Rental Home Inspections
All residential properties not occupied by the legal titleholder are required to have a rental certificate prior to occupancy. 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
Application for Rental Certificate
Inspection Check Sheet
Five Unit or More Multifamily Recycling Guidelines
Multifamily Recycling Plan
Letter to Landlords re: Recycling
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.
Upon completion of the contract inspection private home inspectors must submit their own form in person or via email to the Community Development Neighborhood Inspections Division located in the Argonne Armory Building, 2nd Floor, 602 Robert D Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA 50309.
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