Big changes have arrived for Des Moines homeowners who love to garden and landscape. Over the summer, the Des Moines City Council unanimously voted to relax rules for landscaping in border areas—the public right-of-way strip between the street curb and property lines.
What Is a Border Area?
Border areas are the city-owned space between a street curb and private property. These areas—typically 40 to 66 feet wide—can hold sidewalks, utilities, snow piles, and plantings. While they’re public land, property owners are responsible for maintaining them.
What Changed?
Previously, the Des Moines City code was very strict on what could go into border areas. The new rules add flexibility, allowing residents to incorporate more landscaping features while keeping safety in mind:
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Groundcover: Mulch or small rocks (under 2 inches).
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Landscape edging: Brick, block, or concrete, up to 6 inches tall and 8 inches wide.
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Carriage walks: Paved paths (brick or concrete) up to 5 feet wide, provided they’re at least 40 feet away from intersections or crossings.
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Retaining walls: To help prevent erosion and soil movement.
Existing carriage walks and retaining walls are now “grandfathered in,” if they meet requirements and can be verified (such as through dated Google Street View).
What Stayed the Same?
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Turf grass under 12 inches tall.
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Flowers, shrubs, and plants under 3 feet tall (with exceptions—hostas, lilies, yucca, and poppies can exceed that).
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Landscaping must not block sidewalks, signs, or fire hydrants.
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Weeds and large boulders remain prohibited.
Enforcement & Maintenance
The city still enforces landscaping violations based on complaints. If flagged, homeowners have 15 days to resolve the issue or 7 days to appeal. Keep in mind: if city crews need to do utility work, they’ll only restore turf grass, not your custom landscaping.
Why It Matters
This rule change gives homeowners more freedom to beautify their curbside spaces while balancing safety and utility needs. For those investing in landscaping, it’s a chance to add value and character without fear of losing their work.
