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Quiet Hours & Noise Rules in Des Moines, Iowa
Confirm quiet hours, decibel limits, construction schedules, and reporting steps so you can keep the peace in your neighbourhood.
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Default quiet hours: 22:00-07:00 (residential property-line <=50 dBA); day limit 07:00-22:00 <=60 dBA (Table 1).
Weekends/holidays: 22:00-07:00 (same as weekdays).
Construction weekdays: 07:00-22:00 (construction equipment allowed); 22:00-07:00 prohibited (Sec. 42-260).
Construction weekends: Same as weekdays (22:00-07:00 prohibited).
Des Moines sets maximum sound levels by the receiving land use: residential <=60 dBA (7 a.m.-10 p.m.) and <=50 dBA (10 p.m.-7 a.m.). Construction tools or equipment are prohibited 10 p.m.-7 a.m.; domestic power tools are allowed 7 a.m.-10 p.m. See Sec. 42-254 Table 1 and Sec. 42-260 (Construction).
Residential quiet hours
22:00-07:00 (residential property-line <=50 dBA); day limit 07:00-22:00 <=60 dBA (Table 1).
Weekends & holidays: 22:00-07:00 (same as weekdays).
Decibel limits
60 dBA daytime / 50 dBA night
Measured inside receiving residence.
Construction hours
07:00-22:00 (construction equipment allowed); 22:00-07:00 prohibited (Sec. 42-260).
Weekends: Same as weekdays (22:00-07:00 prohibited).
Lawn equipment
07:00-22:00 for domestic power tools and muffler-equipped lawn and garden equipment (Sec. 42-254(a)(2)(b)).
Includes gas-powered blowers, mowers, trimmers.
Party & music rules
Without a sound permit, amplified or unamplified music must meet Table 1 limits at the receiving property. Event or venue amplified sound may operate under a City sound permit with additional conditions (types and windows set in Article IV).
Typical fines
Enforced as municipal infractions or citations under Chapter 42; dollar amounts vary by section and enforcement action; permit violations can carry conditions and citations.
Escalating penalties for repeat violations.
Noise enforcement & reporting
Call or report via Police non-emergency (515-283-4811) for active disturbances; use the City's Report a Problem portal for general service requests.. Provide dates, times, and source details so dispatchers can prioritise the call. Anonymous complaints are accepted but detailed contact information helps with follow-up.
- Document the issue (record short clips, note times, and track duration for at least two nights if possible).
- Share a polite note with the neighbour or property manager. See the message templates below.
- Submit a complaint via https://www.dsm.city/report/report_a_problem.php or call Police non-emergency (515-283-4811) for active disturbances; use the City's Report a Problem portal for general service requests.. Ask for the incident number for reference.
- If the noise continues, follow up with enforcement referencing the incident number. Keep your documentation for any tribunal or landlord board filings.
Ready-to-send messages
Neighbour note
Hi - Des Moines limits residential noise to 60 dBA by day and 50 dBA overnight (10 p.m.-7 a.m.). We have been hearing {{describe noise}} around {{times}} and it is carrying onto our property. Could we keep volumes down late at night? Thanks for understanding.
Landlord / property manager
Hello - We are experiencing recurring noise that appears to exceed Des Moines Article IV (residential <=50 dBA overnight; construction restricted 10 p.m.-7 a.m.). Could you remind tenants or contractors of the limits? I have logged dates and times and can share short recordings.
Always confirm with the latest official notices or municipal postings before making plans.
Official bylaw source
Source: Des Moines Code of Ordinances - Chapter 42, Article IV (Noise Control)
This summary reflects updates verified on . Always confirm with the latest municipal notices before acting.
Tips for quieter living
- When measuring compliance, note the receiving property type and time window (Table 1 uses property-line levels).
- For construction outside 07:00-22:00, capture the contractor or site sign and include the exact times (Sec. 42-260).
- If amplified music is involved, ask whether a City sound permit applies and include the permit type or number in your report.
Frequently asked questions
Answers are summarized from the city bylaw for quick reference. For the full context, follow the official links below.