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Development Services

The Development Services Division is one of three divisions of the Planning, Building, and Public Works Department. Other titles that the public might be used to hearing that describe development services are current planning, zoning division, or land use permitting. The Development Services Division is usually the first stop for citizens, developers, real estate agents, architects, surveyors, engineers, attorneys, and private sector planners and environmental science professionals who wish to know more about how property can or cannot be used.

The Development Services Division consists of four full time professional planners and a full time Enforcement Officer. These individuals work each day to make sure that the laws adopted by the City Council that relate to land use are understood by the general public, administered properly, and enforced. Laws and regulations relating to land use and the administration of those laws and regulations are necessary because the City of Des Moines has unique values and character that the public seeks to preserve. Public policy, goals, strategies and values are expressed in “plans” which are reviewed with the public at hearings before being adopted and eventually implemented by passing laws. The Development Services Division manages and controls land development and land use so the quality of life and general health safety and welfare for all Des Moines citizens is protected.

If you have questions relating to any of the above information, please see the Top Ten Planning Questions or contact a city planner at (206) 870-7576 or visit us in person at 21630 11th Avenue South Suite D.